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THE 

HISTORY 

OF 

DON FRANCISCO DE MIRANDA'S 

ATTEMPT TO EFFECT A 

MEVOL UTIOM 

IN 

SOUTH AMERICA, 

IN A SERIES OF LETTERS. 



BY A GENTLEMAN WHO WA* AN OFFICER UNDER THAT 
GENERAL, TO HiSFKENDINTHE UNITED STATES. 



TO WHICH ARE ANNEXED, 

SKETCHES OF THE 

LIFE OF MIRANDA, 

AND GEOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF 

CARACCAS. ,_ 



Thoughts tending to ambition, they do plot 
Unlikely wonders. SHAli. 



BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED BY OLIVER AND MUNROE, 

NO. 70, STATE STREET* 

1808. 

w ■ i - — % 






DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS— To wit. 

BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the seventh day of 
October, in the thirty second year of the Independence of 
the United States of America, Oliver 8c Munrok, of the 
said District, have deposited in this Office, the Title of a 
Book, the Right whereof they claim as Proprietors, in the 
words following — to wit : 

"The History of Don Francisco De Miranda's attempt 
to effect a Revolution in South America, in a Series of 
Letters. By a gentleman who was an officer under that 
general, to his friend in the United States. To which are 
annexed, sketches of the Life of Miranda, and geographical 
notices of Caraccas. 

Thoughts tending to ambition, they do plot 
Unlikely wonders. Shak 1 

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United 
States, entitled, " An Act for the Encouragement of Learn- 
ing, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books, 
to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies, during the 
times therein mentioned ;" and also to an Act entitled, 
"An Act supplementary to an Act, entitled An Act for the 
Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of 
JMaps> Charts and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors 
of such Copies during the times therein mentioned ; and 
extending the benefits thereof to the Arts of Designing, 
Engraving and Etching Historical and other Prints." 

WILLIAM S. SHAW, 
Clerk of the District of Massachusetts. 









CONTENTS. 



PREFACE. he 

LETTER I. 

C am m e n c e m e n t of the expediti on — S hi p an d co m m an d e r . 

— Author's views and expectations in joining Miranda. — 
Supposed destination. — Reasons for believing the enter- 
prise sanctioned by the government of the United 
States. 1 

LETTER II. 

Account of Miranda — His age. — Leander spoken by the 
British frigate Cleopatra^ and near being sent to Ber- 
muda for trial.— bailors impressed. — Happy result. 8 

LETTER III. 

Spanish schooner brought to. — Conjectures upon this un- 
usual procedure. — Stratagem to deceive the master of 
the schooner. — Miranda appoints his officers. — Their 
names and distribution into corps. — Uniforms, &c. — ■ 
Arrival at Jacquemel. — Accident. 1-i 

LETTER IV. 

Difficulty of getting into port. — A quarreU and its appre- 
hended mischiefs. — Scene on the deck of the Leander — 
Form of officers' commissions. — A sail seen. — Complaint 
of the effects of delay. — Return of Capt. Lewis. 23 



iv CONTENTS. 

LETTER V. 

Columbian colours displayed. — Schooner Bee chartered.-— 
Report from Laguira. — Aspasia.-— Disturbance in the 
Bee — Disappointment respecting the ship Emperor.-— 
Schooner Bacchus engaged. — Supposed to bring a spy* 
— Treatment of a Danish vessel. 35 

LETTER VI. 

Preparations for departure. — Declaration made and swofn 
to by the officers. — Compensation of the officers 42 

LETTER VII. / 

Departure from Jacquemel. — Change of men to the 
schooners. — Officers engaged at this island. — A brawl. 
— A sail seen. \ 46 

LETTER VIII. 

Another dispute. — Ship falls to the leeward — Chases a 
vessel. — The Leander cannot use the American En- 
sign. 52 

LETTER IX. 

Arrival at Aruba.— Maneuvering the troops. — Remarks. 

55 
LETTER X. 

Departure from Aruba. — Events till the arrival on the 
coast. — Singular order. — A great dispute. — Resigna- 
tion of Lewis. — The Main land in sight. — Sailors en- 
listed as soldiers. — Ready to land. 57 

LETTER XI. 

The Leander attacked by two Spanish Guaroja Costas, — 
The schooners Bee and Bacchus captured. — Rencount- 
er with them. — Lewis not to blame for the loss of the 



CONTENTS. v 

schooners. — Names of the officers anrl men captured, — 
Discovery of the want ot watti. — Shape our cotirs'e for 
the island of Bonair — The officers entertain suspicions 
of their chief. — They have private consultations. — Con- 
duct of the general in the action and subsequent council 
of war and tiieir determination — Reflections, S^c* 70 

LETTER XII. 

Undignified conduct of his excellency to one of his offi- 
cers, &x, S3 

LETTER XIII. 

Off Margaritta. — Leander endeavours to avoid every 
strange sa. •— Crew on short allowance. — Hardships. — 
Religious service on board and Miranda's conduct re- 
specting it. 86 
LETTER XIV. 

Arrival at Grenada. — Refreshed, and sail for Barba- 

does. 92 

LETTER XV. 

At Bridgetown. — Leander libelled and released. — Ar- 
rangements with Admiral Cochrane.— Lewis resigns — 
Vanity and philosophy of M. 95 

LETTER XVI. 

At Trinidad. — Officers and men engaged there. — Gene- 
ral order.— Capt. Johnson.— Foolish handbill.— Depart- 
ure. 102 

LETTER XVII. 

Landing on the main — Result. 109 

LETTER XV11I. 

At Aruba.— Events after leaving Trinidad— Army dis- 

A 2 



vi CONTENTS. 

embark — Gain La Vela de Coro. — March to Coro. — 
Disaster at that place. — Return, and evacuation of the 
Main, \\\ 

LETTER XIX. 

Other events previous to the evacuation of the Main.— 
Col. Hall's embarrassment — Threat of M, concerning 
his wounded men.— Capt. Johnson's misfortune. 132 

BETTER XX. 

M. takes possession of Aruba by proclamation. — Sickness 
of the men. — Courts Martial. 151 

LETTER XXI, 

Animadversions of officers on the Expedition. — Curracoa 

scheme. 169 

LETTER XXII. 

New captain appointed to the Leander. — His ill conduct 
and cruelty to the sailors — Condition of the sick on 
board. — Miranda's treatment of capt. Meade, command- 
er of the brig Commodore Barry. — Soliloquy. 188 

LETTER XX1I1. 

Departure from Aruba. — Miranda and suite embark in 
the Seme frigate. — Lieut. Dwyer, an English officer, 
takes command of the Leander. — Events during the 
passage. — x\rrival at Grenada* 197 

LETTER XXIV. 

Arrival at Trinidad. — Trimmer concern.— Reception of 
Miranda and his followers at Port of Spain* — Straits of 
the people. 207 

LETTER XXV. 

Disposition of the British commanders — Mission to Eft- 



CONTEXTS. vii 

gland, — Process against Leander — Dispersion of offi- 
cers and men. — Fate of the prisoners. — Intercepted let- 
ters. — Intelligence from de Rouvray. — Characters, 230 

LETTER XXVI. 

Result upon the means, conduct and object of the expedi- 
tion. — \n apology for its agents. 24 8 

LETTER XXVII. 

Notices of Miranda. 279 

LETTER XXVIII. 
Geographical and statistical notices of Caraccas, 29 f 



PREFACE. 

THE letters in this volume give an ac- 
count of the commencement, progress and ter~ 
mination of Miranda's attempt to effect a revo- 
lution in South America. The facts came with- 
in the observation of the writer, or were obtain- 
ed by careful enquiry. In history, says a great 
moralist and critick, the whole should be told. 
The author has told all that appeared to him at 
once proper to be related and interesting to the 
reader. These letters were written for the in- 
formation of the author's friends and to assist 
his own memory. After much deliberation and 
some doubt, he has been induced to commit them 
to the press. The expedition of Miranda ex- 
cited attention and expectation at the time and 
has not ceased to be a subject of speculation. It 



x PREFACE. 

had a certain aspect upon our foreign relations, 
and occasioned a discussion of muck dtlicacy re- 
specting the conduct of the American govern- 
ment. It may be of some use to the world, that 
the agency of Miranda in this enterprise should 
be detailed and the impression he made on the 
minds of his unfortunate followers should be 
known. By the disclosure of the facts, the per* 
sons concerned with him may hope to be con- 
sidered with more equity and perhaps more fa- 
vour, than they would find, if the publick opin- 
ion were left to be formed by the fictions of ru- 
mour and the exaggerations of ignorance. It 
is possible that its developement will create an 
interest in behalf of that portion of Miranda's 
associates, now suffering imprisonment* or slav- 
ery in that country, where they dreamed they 
should enjoy and communicate liberty. This 
enterprise and its incidents afford a curious ex- 
hibition of human nature. The boldness of the 



* See an account of their situation in I H. Sherman's pampble t 
printed in New-York by Mc'Farlane and Long. 



PREFACE. xi 

design and the variations of fortune in its pro- 
gress and execution ; the sufferings and the ac- 
iion? cftfu adventurers are not wholly unworthy 
of the attention of those, who wish to be in- 
structed by a view of the obliquities of the hu~ 
man mind or amused by the perusal of eccen- 
trick adventures, 



MIRANDA'S EXPEDITION. 



LETTER I. 

Commencement of the expedition. — Ship arid 
commander. — Author's views and expecta- 
tions in joining Miranda. — Supposed destina- 
tion. — Reasons for believing the enterprise 
sanctioned by the government of the United 
States. 

Ship Leander, at Sea, Feb. 5th, 1806, 
Dear Friend, 

PUBLICK rumour has probably given 
you some information of a mysterious expedi- 
tion, said to be fitting out at New-York, under 
the auspices of a celebrated character. I have 
been persuaded by my friend Mr. ***** to 
commit myself to the chances of an enterprise, at 
once extraordinary and dangerous ; and to leave 
my own country once more, in hope of honour 
and it's reward. You may perhaps fear that I 
have been seduced by the glitter of fair prom- 
ises, or the allurements of novelty ; or prompted 
by a spirit of adventure to speculate too largely 

R 



on the favours of fortune. It may be so ; but I 
have deliberated much on the subject, and 
think I am justified in the resolution I have 
taken. I confess, however, that in forming it, 
the opinion of men, whose fortunes and charac- 
ters are staked on the issue,had great authority. 

My new situation will no doubt furn- 
ish a variety of subjects and events for a 
correspondence, which I shall not neglect, be- 
cause you have a claim to this attention : and 
it \vill be no small consolation to keep you 
thus alive in memory during my absence. I 
propose to address to you an account of all 
the interesting occurrences that may happen in 
this expedition, remaining silent only when it 
shall be enjoined by an honorable obligation, and 
choosing such a time for sending my letters as 
prudence and regard to my duty shall point out. 

We have been out three days, the wind 
blowing hard all the time, till within two 
hours. I begin my epistolary journal by in- 
forming you that the Leander is a ship of about 
two hundred tons burden, commanded by 
eapt. Thomas Lewis, who is reputed to be a 
man of intrepidity, and a thorough master of 
his profession. He is said to have proved his 
spirit and bravery on occasions, which put them 



to the test; and his appearance and deportment 
arc 5 in my estimation, strong indications of his 
possessing the character which report, and his 
own actions have established. From the little I 
have seen, I have no doubt of his seamanship ; 
for I notice he manages the vessel with skill 
and ease ; and die ocean seems to be his ele- 
ment, There are nearly two hundred souls 
on board, so that as you may conceive, we are 
very much crowded, and on that account, but 
ill accommodated. 

You naturally inquire what is the object 
and destination of this ship ? what do we pro- 
pose and whither are we going ? I am un- 
able to give a positive answer to either of these 
questions ; for only a few confidential persons 
concerned are let into the secret ; nor do I 
know the extent of that knowledge relating to 
it, that possibly might be obtained, were I to 
make it my business to importune for particu- 
lar information. I deem it proper at this mo- 
ment, to suffer my curiosity to remain unsat- 
isfied till the period arrives when inquiry will 
not be considered impertinent, or an exposure 
of our plans and intentions impolitic. This, I 
apprehend, will shortly be the case. I for 
one, and most others, have embarked upon 



4 

general information and assurances that more 
shall be disclosed at a suitable season. We 
■rely much on our leader and on those who re- 
commended him to our confidence. We know 
enough not to be angry with ourselves for 
joining the undertaking ; we imagine and 
conjecture much. Generally, I can say that 
we are engaged in an expedition to some part 
of the Spanish dominions, probably in South 
America, with a view to assist the inhabitants 
in throwing off the oppressive yoke of the pa- 
rent country ; and establishing a government 
for themselves, upon which we are told by our 
general they have resolved ; and for which 
he says they are entirely disposed and pre- 
pared. For this purpose the Leander was en- 
gaged and fitted out, as we understand, by the 
credit and funds of Don Francisco de Miran- 
da, the commander in chief of the expedition. 
The vessel is laden with arms of various de- 
scriptions, ammunition, clothing, and every 
kind of military equipage necessary for a cam- 
paign. A number of Americans, some of them 
gentlemen, and persons of good standing in 
society, though mostly, I believe, of crooked 
fortunes, have embarked. Few of us, before 
entering the ship, saw our leader, but had our 



communication with those, who were his ac- 
knowledged agents and advocates. We have, 
as yet, made no definite engagements with him, 
nor he with us ; and I presume, if upon fur- 
ther insight into the business, or experience 
of the service, we shall be dissatisfied, we may, 
if we please, withdraw ; though it must be 
confessed our destinies, now we have pro- 
ceeded so far, are seriously joined with those of 
Miranda. Do you ask, whether our taking a 
part in this enterprise consists with our rela- 
tion to our country, or with moral right, to 
say nothing of common discretion ? I hope it 
is inconsistent with neither. I will not say 
that there are not some of our company desper- 
ate or base enough to disregard these weighty 
considerations. Perhaps it is a matter of in- 
difference to many of the volunteers in what 
cause they act, if it do but promise them an op- 
portunity of distinguishing themselves by mar- 
tial achievments, and afford a chance of ac- 
quiring some portion of the riches, supposed 
to be in the hands of unworthy possessors in 
the south. By the issue of this undertaking 
they can hardly lose, and may gain. But the 
greater number of those who can reasonably 

look for high places, or large emolument are 

B2 



not desperadoes, though they are adventurers ; 
and although they are willing, from situation or 
temper, to try a bold and hazardous scheme, 
it would be illiberal as well as unjust to infer 
that they would act an unprincipled or dishon- 
ourable part. 

We are encouraged in the belief that our 
government has given its implied sanction to 
this expedition, and this circumstance, taken in 
connexion with the official language of the 
President, and the known sentiments of some 
of the political party that now prevails, leads 
us to suppose that our government expects or 
intends, very soon explicitly to authorise the 
use of force against Spain. Under such im- 
pressions, we think we shall not be called to 
account as violating the pacifick relations of 
the United States. The project of appearing 
for the relief of the oppressed, under the ban- 
ners of a celebrated chief, who is said to be 
their greatest friend and favorite ; of lending 
our assistance to found an independent state, 
in extensive, fertile and populous regions, 
where the spirit of the people is crushed and 
the resources of nature are kept down by a 
vile colonial policy, presents itself to our ima- 
ginations and hearts in the most attractive 



light, and makes us rejoice that it has fallen to 
our lot, to attempt the deliverance of a large 
portion of our fellow men. We flatter our- 
selves it is honourable and humane to be thus 
engaged ; still I am sensible that nothing- 
short of complete success will ensure such a 
design the approbation of the mass of mankind. 
If we succeed, our fame will take care of itself. 
To quiet the revoltings of our humanity and 
satisfy us that we are not going upon cruel 
work, we are told that a revolution can take 
place in the country proposed, with little vio- 
lence and perhaps without the loss of much 
blood : the people are said to be now awake 
to their sufferings, and inclined and competent 
to remove the cause, as the government by 
which they are oppressed is weak and inefficient. 
On this disposition of the inhabitants to join the 
standard of our leader in such numbers as to 
compel the few friends of the old order to make 
terms without delay, we place our expectations 
of success. It is also intimated that we shall 
receive, as far as occasion shall require, tire 
countenance and co-operation of the British, 
After all, it must be confessed, we may be 
4C plucking a thousand dangers on our heads ;" 
but we presume our conductor knows what he 



8 

is doing, and will lead us to great exploits and 
splendid fortunes. 



LETTER II. 

Account of Miranda. — His age. — Leander 
spoken by the British Frigate Cleopatra^ and 
near being sent to Burmuda for trial. — Sail- 
ors impressed. — Happy result. 

February 9/A, 1806. 

GEN. MIRANDA has heretofore em- 
ployed, and sometimes agitated, the publick 
mind. He bore a conspicuous part in the French 
army under Dumourier, whom, it is said, with 
what truth I know not, he used very ill. In 
the early period of the French revolution, he is 
mentioned both with praise and censure. — 
From the opportunity I have had to see and 
hear him, since my coming on board, I should 
suppose him to possess great talents. He ex- 
cels all men that ever I have known, in collo- 
quial eloquence and power of persuasion. He 
discovers a full mind, furnished with compre- 
hensive and accurate information, improved 
by extensive reading, by travelling and obser- 
vation. According to his own account he Is 



ia the fifty second year of his age. His ap- 
pearance is that of sixty. Perhaps no man 
living can boast a more retentive memory. 
His manners and address are extremely plea* 
sing. In the treatment of us, his volunteers, 
he is all affability and condescension. This 
may be his habit, or it may proceed from the 
interest he has at present in conciliating our 
esteem and good will. May his courteous 
demeanour continue when we shall have ac- 
cepted our commissions, and have come under 
his power. He is very much disposed to con- 
versation. With a fund of materials to render 
it instructive and amusing, he makes a judi- 
cious selection of topics ; accordingly, to the 
young men, some of whom have just left col- 
lege, he talks of literature, and recommends 
the study of the Spanish language and of 
mathematicks. Proficiency in these branches, 
he tells them, will ensure promotion in his 
army. The gentlemen more advanced in 
years are entertained with his ideas on the 
subjects of politicks and war. The general of- 
ten cites a part of the history of his own life 
and travels, to illustrate the opinions which he 
seems anxious to inculcate. It is evident 
enough, that he aims to sow in the minds of 



10 

his followers, the seeds of heroical deeds ; 
of liberty, and revolution. I will not venture 
to predict what kind of a crop his efforts may 
produce, as I have scarcely any acquaintance 
with my fellow adventurers. 
/ \2th y 8 o'clock, A. M. At this moment, a 
cry from a man stationed at the mast head, an- 
nounces a sail in sight \ she is too far distant, 
however, to enable us to distinguish what 
kind of vessel ; I notice it creates considerable 
anxiety on board— particularly with the gene- 
ral. We shall probably know something more 
of this strange sail before long, as she is sail- 
ing nearly in a line with us, is somewhat to 
leeward, but if ciisposed, may speak us in 
two or three hours. 11 o'clock, A. M. the 
strange vessel turns out to be a large fessel in 
pursuit of us. 

Captain Lewis has shortened sail to let her 
come up. If she is French or Spanish, she 
will probably speak to us in harsh language, 
and we shall be obliged to fight— God knows 
what our fate would be if captured ; for I be- 
lieve we must appear to them a suspicious set, 
who are on the high seas in a very ques- 
tionable shape. If she is English, perhaps 
" all may be well." I must conclude, as we 



11 

are going to prepare for action. Our sea com- 
mander says, "if she is an enemy, we must 
overcome or perish. 9 ' 

I3tk. The affair is settled very much to our 
satisfaction ; but not without a thousand alter- 
nate hopes and fears. Within four hours af- 
ter my last, we expected to be now making the 
best of our way to Bermuda, under the lee 
of a British frigate. Yesterday, at half- past one 
o'clock in the afternoon, we were spoke by the 
ship seen in the morning ; she pro ved to be 
his Britannick Majesty's ship Cleopatra, of for- 
ty guns, commanded by captain John Wight. 
The first lieutenant of the frigate came on board 
and examined our ship and crew. We were 
detained nearly twenty-four hours, and had 
nineteen men pressed — mostly Irish, with 
American protections. As a kind of return 
for the impressed sailors, we received twelve 
Americans, who had been taken out ot Ameri- 
can vessels lately captured by the Cleopatra, 
to the list of which, the Leander was ni^h be- 
ing added. Captain Lewis went on board 
with the ship's papers, which showed her to be 
the Leander, an American ship, bound to St. 
Domingo. These were on examination, declar- 
de by captain Wight to be unsatisfactory. A 



12 

gentleman then by the name of Armstrong 
went on board with instructions from the gene- 
ral, and joined with Lewis in expostulating 
with the commander of the frigate, but with- 
out effect. At last the general himself was ob- 
liged to appear on board the Cleopatra. He 
stated certain particulars to captain Wight, 
and shewed him documents, which justified the 
English captain in allowing our ship to pro- 
ceed. This event has confirmed our impres- 
sions, respecting the nature and objects of this 
expedition. General Miranda, I think, must 
have effected the release of the Leander, by 
explaining a part, or the whole of his plan, 
relative to South America ; and by producing 
credentials from the British government, au- 
thorising, or at least protecting him in the un- 
dertaking. This idea is strengthened, by Mi- 
randa saying that captain Wight had promised 
to assist in the enterprise. The general re- 
mained on board the frigate all night, and re- 
turned this morning at eleven o'clock. I am 
extremely glad we were overtaken by this 
ship ; for the result tends to put us at ease 
about the consistency of our design with the 
laws of nations, and proves to the world that 
(we are not a " band of* desperate pirates," a 



13 

'description given to us by some persons before 
we sailed from New-York, and propagated af- 
terwards, in whispers, through the ship. Be- 
sides, the expedition is now placed on a re- 
spectable footing by having, as we presume, 
the acknowledgment and countenance of Eng- 
land. We are all in high spirits and high 
hopes. The general now speaks more openly 
about the enterprise ; he expresses great anx- 
iety to begin his operations ; and complains of 
having been so long detained in a good wind, 
notwithstanding it has turned out so much to 
the advantage of his project, both on account 
of the promised assistance, and a certificate 
that he procured of captain Wight, to pre- 
vent future search or detention bv other Brit- 
ish cruisers which we may happen to meet: 



14 



LETTER III. 

Spanish schooner brought to. — Conjectures upon 
this unusual procedure. — Stratagem to de- 
ceive the master of the schooner.- — Miranda 
appoints his officers.— Their names and dis- 
tribution into corps. — Uniforms. &c. — Arri- 
val at JacquemeL — Accident. 

February 1 5 th, 1806. 
WE are now in the Mona passage, be- 
tween the islands of Porto Rico and St. Do- 
mingo. A circumstance occurred this morn- 
ing of a somewhat singular nature ; and to 
my view not very agreeable. About 10 o'clock 
we saw two strange sails, a brig and a schoon- 
er ; in a short time after, the Leander fired a 
shot at the latter, whether by the order of 
Miranda or at the instance of Lewis, [ know 
not. The vessel being alarmed, altered her 
course and endeavoured to escape, upon which 
we discharged several shot ; and she was at 
last, obliged, for fear of being sunk, to 
heave to under our lee. The captain was im- 
mediately ordered on board with his papers ; 
and upon examination the vessel proved to be a 
Spanish schooner, from St. Martins, loaded with 
Logwood and bound to St. Bartholomews. 



15 

After an hour's detention, she was permitted 
to proceed. Previous to the captain coming 
on board, the general and Lewis had some 
private conversation, at the conclusion of 
which, the latter ordered all those of our crew 
who could speak French, to use no other lan- 
guage while this man was in the ship ; at the 
same time directing that no English should 
bespoken. This order was strictly obeyed, 
and the gang-way was instantly crowded with 
fifteen or twenty sailors and servants, who be- 
gan talking in French. When the captain, 
came over the side and found himself among 
Frenchmen, he brought his hand forcibly to 
his breast and exclaimed, " Vive L 5 Emper- 
eur ;" but I cannot express the terror he man- 
ifested upon arriving on the quarter deck, and 
finding himself in the midst of Englishmen 
and Americans. 

You may ask what right had the private 
ship Leander to bring to any vessel whatever 
at sea ? Why did general Miranda permit, or 
order such a procedure ? Or was he ignorant 
of maritime customs and usages ? Suppose this 
vessel had actually been engaged in a contra- 
band trade, could the Leander have captured a 
or even detained her ? Then by what right 



was this schooner fired at, compelled to heave 
to, the captain ordered on board and his pa- 
pers examined ? These questions, I confess I 
cannot answer to my own satisfaction ; and 
therefore probably not to yours. The only apol- 
ogy which I can imagine is, that our chief had 
it in view to gratify his curiosity, or obtain in- 
telligence which might be important ; I cannot 
suppose he had any idea of seizing the vessel 
and converting her to his own use ; or that if he 
had, our sea comiiyander would have consented. 
Feb. \7th. Last Thursday general Miranda 
assigned to his volunteers the several ranks 
which they are to hold in his army, in a General 
Order, communicated to us, by the officer next 
in rank, (at present) to himself. In the copy of 
this order, which I shall give you in the mar- 
gin,-* you will notice some names with which 
you are acquainted, and a number of others, 
whose distinction is yet to be acquired. 

• « Leander, Feb. 14///, 1806, Latitude} 
21. 27. JV. Longitude 64. 3 IV." 5 

" G. O." " Parole, America. Countersign, Liberty v " 

" The Commander in Chief has thought proper to make 

the following appointments of officers, in the Columbian 

Army, and different corps thereof, as hereafter mentioned, 

to commence rank and pay from the first day cf January 

1306." 



17 

There are several others who have as 
yet received no particular appointment, but 
who are on probation for something. Besides 
the twenty. six names just mentioned, there 



1. 


William Armstrong, 


Colonel. 


2. 


Thomas Lewis, 


do. 


n 

•5 ■ 


Willliam Steuben Smith,*" 


| 




Aid de Camp to the 
Commander in Chief 


^> Lieut. Colonel. 




with the rank of J 


1 


4. 
5. 


Henry Sands, 
Barent Roorbach, 


Major. 
Captain. 


6. 


Thomas Billop, 


do» 


7. 


David Heckle, 


do. 


8. 


Daniel R. Durning, 


do. 


9. 


James B. Gardner, 


do. 


10. 
U. 


Gustavus Adolphus Burgudd, do. 
Samuel C. Lowdon, do. 


12. 


William Hosack, 


First Lieutenant. 


13. 


Charles Johnson, 


do. 


14. 


John Or ford, 


do. 


15. 


Paula Theodore George, 


do. 


16. 


Daniel D. Kemper, 


do. 


\7, 


Miles L. Hall, 


do. 


18. 


John T. O. Sullivan, 


do. 


:9. 


William Lowdon, 


do. 


20. 
21. 


Edward Yates ( Adjutant) 
Francis Farquharson, 


Second Lieutenant 
do. 


22; 


Henry Newton, 
C 2 


do. 



18 

are two others in place, who are said not t® 
belong to the military catalogue. Mr. Jona- 
than Smith, supercargo of the ship, and Mr. 
Thomas Molini, secretary to his excellency 
the general. The first of these gentlemen is 
commonly called Major, but I believe incor- 
rectly, as he has not yet taken a Columbian 
commission. What we now see and hear 
justifies the supposition of an expectation in 
his excellency that a numerous and well or- 
ganized army will spring from these roots. 
Those, who know nothing of the military pro- 
fession, are to learn it as fast as possible, in 
order to be ready for training Spanish recruits, 
which we are told by the general, are waiting 
our arrival on the Main. With this employ- 
ment and the study of the Spanish language, to 
make themselves understood by their new 
friends, all will have enough to do. It is no 
time for play now ; though it is easy to see 
that some of them, even those of sedate years 
fehink of nothing else, and the general has 



23. James Biggs, 


do. 


24 Thomas Gill, 


do. 


25. John Moore, 


do. 


26, Da,yid Burnett* 


do. 



19 

seemed to encourage it. He supposes,perhaps^ 
that in our situation, thought might u make thick 
our blood, "and merriment will robour ambigu- 
ous voyage of some " taste of tediousness." 

We are stationed in the different corps of 
the Columbian Army, in the manner of the 
following recapitulation, which I also place in 
the margin for your inspection ;* this form I 



* RECAPITULATION. 
Engineers. 
John Orford, First Lieutenant. 

Artillery. 
Samuel Lowdon, Captain. 

William Hosack, First Lieutenant. 

William Lowdon, do. 

James Biggs, Second Lieutenant, 

Francis Farquharson, do, 

Corfis of Artificers. 
David Heckle, Captain. 

First Regiment Light Dragoons. 
Daniel R. Durning, Captain. 

Gustavus Adolphus Burgudd, do. 

Ldward Yates, Cornet. 

First Regiment of Riflemen. 
William Armstrong, Colonel. 

■ Lieut. Colonel, 

■ . — . Major. 

Barent Roorbach, Captain. 

Thomas Billop. do. 



20 

shall observe, when most convenient, with all 
documents, relating to our enterprise, which 
I may think you will be interested to see, or 
it may be proper to communicate. 

Colonel Armstrong is appointed quarter 
master general, with two assistants, (lieuten- 
ants Biggs and Newton,) until further orders, 
captain Roorbach major of brigade, and captain 
Billop deputy pay-master general. 

After the establishment of our rank, station, 
&c. we were informed what regimental uni- 
forms the commander in chief had adopted. 
They are adapted to a warm climate and may 
answer very well for a beginning, though be- 
tween yon and me, the patterns, whether in- 



Charles Johnson, First Lieutenant, 

Miles L. Hall, do. 

Thomas Gill, do. 

First Regiment North American Infantry. 



Thomas Lewis, 


Colonel. 


Henry Sands, 


Major. 


James B. Gardner, 


Captain. 


Daniel Kemper, 


First Lieutenant. 


John T. 6- Sullivan, 


do. 


Henry Newton, 


Second Lieutenant 


David Burnett,, 


do. 


John Moore, 


do. 



Dt\ Samuel Scofield, of New York 5 is appointed Surgeon to 

the Army. 



21 

tended for his excellency, the officers or pri- 
vates do not meet our ideas of either taste or 
elegance. The order pointing out our uniforms 
is thus headed. I have transciibed the intro- 
duction, with a view of showing you to what 
importance the affair of regimentals is exalted 
by the sagacious author, to say nothing of the 
beauty of its composition. 

" G. O." V Parole, Warren. Countersign^ 
Bunkers Hill. As the first step towards es- 
tablishing discipline in an army, is a fixed uni- 
form for each corps, from which no partial 
deviation is to be made, without the special 
permission of the commander in chief ; he has, 
for the present, fixed the following uniforms, 
for the different corps, with which he hopes 
the different officers will provide themselves, as 
soon as convenient." Then comes a descrip- 
tion of our particular regimentals. The in- 
fantry dress in blue and yellow ; the artillery 
in blue and red ; the engineers and artificers 
in blue and black velvet ; the riflemen in green ; 
and the dragoons in yellow and blue ; but I 
should furnish you with an hour's reading, 
were I to attempt giving you a correct idea of 
all that variety of cut and fashion by which 
our corps are respectively designated. 



22 

We are now sailing along the south coast of 
St. Domingo. The land is very mountainous 
and affords many delightful views ; though 
there is scarcely any cultivation on the part 
now in sight, in proportion to its extent, Jac- 
quemel is the place to which we are bound, 
and a day or two at farthest will bring us into 
port. Here I imagine many circumstances will 
occur worth relating ; if so, my journal shall 
take care of them. 

18th meridian. The harbour of Jacquemel 
is now in sight, and we have a fine steady 
breeze. Major Smith and captain Lewis are 
preparing to setoff for Port au Prince, on bu- 
siness relative to the expedition. They are 
going on shore in the boat before the ship an- 
chors, and take guides and horses at Jacquemel 
to expedite their journey. On their way they 
will cross the highest mountains of this Island. 

Half past 1 , P. M. It is but a few min- 
utes since we recovered from a most terrify- 
ing accident. The jolly boat, by the care- 
lessness of some of the sailors, upset in lower- 
ing down astern, the crew being in at the 
same time. They were struggling in the sea 
fifty minutes ; but were all fortunately saved 
by the spirited exertions of three seamen, who 



23 

jumped overboard to f be ; r as c ?.stance. la this 
. work of humanity, c; . Gardner set the ex- 

ample, by first throwing himself into the wa- 
ter ; and be merits the highest praise fcr his 
feeling and his courage, to which two of the 
sailors owe their lives. 



LETTER IV. 

Difficulty of getting into port. — A quarrel, and 
its apprehended mischiefs. — Scene on the 
deck of the Leander. — Form of officers com- 
missions. — A sail seen. — Complaint of the 
effects of delay. — Return of Capt. Lewis. 

Jacquemel harbour, Feb. 20, 1806. 

WE have arrived in port, but have had a 
troublesome time since my last. A pilot came 
on board in the evening of the 1 8th to conduct 
us to anchor, which he ordered to be cast too 
soon ; the consequence was, we lost it and 
sixty fathoms of cable, and were obliged to 
stand out to sea again. 

I wish I had not to inform you of another 
disagreeable occurrence ; one, which I am sorry 
to say, does little credit to our chief, and may 
materially injure, if not ruin our enterprize. 



24 

A short time before captain Lewis left the ship 
for Jacquemel, a violent quarrel took place be- 
tween him and colonel Armstrong, occasioned 
by the latter having Struck the steward of the 
former, for not keeping the table furniture, or 
something of this kind, in proper order. The 
quarter-master general undertook, on deck, to 
punish the steward with a hearty rope's end- 
ing. Lewis hearing the cries of his servant, 
came from below to enquire into the cause ; 
and perceiving what Armstrong was doing or- 
ordered him to desist, which he did, but not 
without strenuously asserting his right to chas- 
tise any person in the ship. Lewis told him 
that he should exercise no such authority in a 
vessel where he commanded. Both exhibited 
great bitterness, and dealt each other an abun- 
dance of hard words. The general took the 
side of Armstrong ; and Lewis, who is a man 
not to be intimidated by sounding names, in- 
formed his excellency, that neither he nor his 
quarter- master general had any thing to do 
w T ith the discipline of the ship, and that whilst 
he commanded the Leander, he should take 
care not to allow Miranda, nor any of his offi- 
cers, to assume authority, winch of right, sole- 
ly existed in his hands. A great deal of hide-. 



25 

cfent warmth was shewn on all sides, but in 
the highest degree by the general himself, who 
appeared, before the storm was over, more fit 
for bedlam than for the command of an army. 
An everlasting breach, I fear, is now made be- 
tween him and the captain. Among other 
things said in the heat of their fury, Miranda 
insisted that the ship was his property, and 
that the captain was obliged to command her 
under his directions ; whilst Lewis more than 
intimated, that till she was paid for, he was to 
be consulted, and had a will in the business. 

It is painful, and even shocking, to discov- 
er that our chief is capable of so much passion, 
and upon such an occasion. It is not a little 
important to us, thathe, who holdsour fortunes 
in his hands, and is to govern us, should be 
able to govern himself. The conduct I have 
related is equally against his dignity, and a- 
gainst his prudence. We depend on the sai- 
lors, who are bound to us by nothing but the 
ship's articles, who are nearly one hundred and 
fifty, to join the army j but this cannot be ef- 
fected without the co-operation and counte- 
nance of Lewis. All of them, except about 
twenty volunteers, collected from the butchers 

fetalis in Bear market, to be dragoons, and ex- 
D 



26 

change the clever for the broad sword, have 
sailed with him before, and are very much at- 
tached to him. When thev find the authority,, 
which, according to the usage of the sea, be- 
longs exclusively to the captain of the ship, 
assumed by Miranda and his officers, they will 
certainly consider themselves injured, and will 
side with the captain. If Lewis sets his face 
against their enlisting, the)' will not listen to 
the proposals of serving on land and becom- 
ing musket men. Miranda has therefore eve- 
ry motive of interest, if no other, to keep on 
good terms with the ship master. If this quar- 
rel does not stop where it is, we may as well 
relinquish the expedition, for it cannot pros- 
per under such dissensions. 

February 23d. The following is the scene 
now exhibited on the deck of our ship from 
sun rising to sun set : 

One side of the quarter deck is occupied by 
a printing press, at which several young men 
of that profession are busy in striking off the 
general's proclamations to the people of South 
America, and setting the types for printing our 
commissions. The other side is taken up 
with two groups of Mars' youngest sons, em- 
ployed with military books ; some .studying-,. 



27 

some reading, and others looking at the pic- 
tures. His excellency is at the head of one 
of these parties^ philosophizing on various 
subjects, and passing from one to another with 
his peculiar volubility. At this moment he is 
painting the dangers of a military life. He 
ends every recital of hardships, by telling the 
young gentlemen how much honour results to 
those who bear them with fortitude. Notwith- 
standing this* encouraging conclusion, the 
youngsters look rather aghast ! which he ob- 
serves in silence. 

When the old gentleman gets upon this to- 
pick, which he does almost daily, he never fails 
to inform his pupils of his own feats and suf- 
ferings when he was young and in the wars.. 
His countenance, which is always extremely 
expressive at such times, gives evidence of 
the great pleasure he feels in dwelling on " dis- 
astrous chances" and " hair breadth 'scapes," 
I confess to you, I am sorry to find he loves 
deartv to talk of himself, and likes those best 
who appear most willing to hear him on this 
subject ; for I believe that vanity and egotism, 
which are qualities destitute of any recommenda- 
tion whatever,are generally associated with other 
traits that have no claim to approbation. I must 



m 

.confess too, that he appears not a little tine- 
tured with pedantry ; a pardonable fault in an 
Academician, but not so respectable in a hero 
and statesman. 

Next is seen the armourer's bench, with al^ 
his apparatus for repairing old muskets, point- 
Jess bayonets and rusty swords. This tinker 
has his hands full, as our arms are none of the 
best, and seem to have been already condemn- 
ed in some other service. Whoever purchased 
them for the expedition, was either no judge 
of arms, or he has been kinder to himself 
than his employer. 

A few feet from the place where I am now 
writings is a noisy set of animals called vol- 
unteers, going through the manual exercise, 
under the direction of a drill sergeant, who 
looks as bold as a lion, and roars nearly as 
loud. I hope he may feel as fierce when we 
shall have something serious to do. In the 
vicinity of these fellows, the regimental tai* 
lor, and half a dozen of his cross legged dis- 
ciples are placed, surrounded by the materials 
and implements of their trade. A little fur- 
ther are several carpenters^ emyloyed in mak- 
ing staves for the pikes, with which our cavalry 
is to be armed. Beyond this the sailors are 



29 

s^en working with their ropes > tar blocks, &c 
and here my description ends. 

On surveying these operations, the general 
looks mightily pleased, and says, iC we sh 11 
soon be ready for the Main." Every 
goes on merrily ; but we are not pei 
step on shore ; this is a great hardship to haai 
for my part, I dont know the cause of the p 
hibition, nor do I care much when it is re- 
moved. 

February 25th. I give a copy of the com- 
missions intended for the officers of Mi- 
randa's army. They were finished to-day. 

" Do\ Francisco de Miranda, 
" Commander inChief of the Columbian Army. 

vl By virtue of power and authority vested 

in me, I hereby constitute and appoint , 

in the army of Columbia, under my command ; 
and all officers, his superiors and inferiors, 
non-commissioned officers, soldiers, and others, 
are hereby required to respect and obey him 
as such, agreeable to the articles of war. 

(Signed) " FR AN: DE MIRANDA. 
" Thomas Molini, Sec' ry and Regt." 

Several hundred of Miranda's proclamations 

are printed off. These manifestos, addressed 

to the people of South America, as you would 
D 2 



50 

expect, declare his views and intentions with 
respect to their country. They paint in ferci 
ble language the hardships and multiplied in- 
juries, under which these people at present la- 
bor ; all of which he promises to remove ; 
and they also inform the inhabitants of every 
description, how they are to regulate them- 
selves, and what they are to do when their de- 
liverers arrive. 

This document puts an end to the imagina- 
tions, which some of our company entertained, 
that we were destined to that part of the Span- 
ish dominions, which had made, or was about 
to make encroachments on Louisiana, or New- 
Orleans. It is also silent about the connex- 
ion of the government of the United States 
with our schemes, on which we have always 
relied, at least so far as to believe that We w 7 ere 
not contravening the wishes, nor exposing our- 
selves to the displeasure of those, who are at 
the head of American affairs. But though this 
official paper claims no countenance from the 
President or executive of our country, the na- 
ture of Miranda's insinuations, and the circum- 
stances of our outfit, have always kept and do 
now keep us under the impression, that all is 
right on this quarter ; and that we have not 



31 

put ourselves out of the protection of the Uni- 
ted Stales. 

Yesterday morning we saw a strange sail off 
the harbour, supposed by some to be a French 
privateer. I notice it creates great inquietude 
in the general's mind. The appearance of a 
French frigate would place us in a disagreea- 
ble situation, for we could not possibly get 
out, if she were disposed to prevent it, and 
the Leander, with his excellency Don Francisco 
de Miranda, would be deemed an object to jus- 
tify the attention and vigilance of the Monsieurs. 

There are yet no signs of the Cleopatra. I 
before observed that the general said he had 
received assurances of captain Wight's co- 
operation. Every vessel, that is descried in 
the offing, excites his fears or curiosity ; and 
he seldom fails to request somebody, first 
asking if they have good sight, to take the 
spyglass and see if that vessel is the -Cleo- 
patra ; upon hearing an unfavourable report 
from the observer, he says, " well, never 
mind, should she not join us here, she will 
come to us on the Spanish Main." All this is 
calculated to make us imagine that the British 
interest themselves in our success. Yet if 
this be the case, ^iere seems to have been fto 



32 

plan for securing their aid > and our hopes fix 
them are directed to a single ship accidentally 
spoken at sea. There is a report here that the 
United States are fitting out two frigates to come 
in pursuit of us and conduct us back. We can- 
not trace this story to its origin, but deem it 
incredible and ridiculous. Captain Lewis and 
Major Smith have been gone to Port au Prince 
ten days, (five longer than was expected, the 
distance being about one day's journey) and 
not a line has been received from them. This 
delay is to be lamented.* If the chances of out 
success depend on surprise; they must be di- 
minishing every moment, We did calculate en 
being; in Caraccas before this. We wait the re- 
turn of these gentlemen with anxiety on several 
accounts. I shall be uneasy till I see how Lewis 
and Miranda meet one another again. It is to be 
hoped they have both improved the time of se- 
paration, in bringing their minds to reason, and 
trying to forget their resentments. If they 
shall be cold and reserved, when they come 
together again, I shall expect the breach will 
be irreparable ; for I have often observed that 
when persons after a disagreement separate 
without an ecclaircisement satisfactory to both 
and appear distant and suspicious at their first 



55 



meeting, it is the commencement of a durable 
enmity. The captain is high spirited nnd un- 
yielding ; and the general I am persuaded is a 
man of unruly temper, obstinate and determin- 
ed. The judicious interposition of a third 
person, in such a case, will sometimes be effec- 
tual, if this shall be necessary I hope Major R. 
who is qualified for the office will try his influ- 
ence. We look for the return of this gentle- 
man with solicitude on another account. The 
general professes to believe we shall be joined 
by the Emperor, a noble ship now at Port au 
Prince, under the command of capt. Jacob 
Lewis (brother of the commander of our ship) 
who is a man of resource. It is supposed 
our messengers are detained at Port au Prince 
to attempt arrangements for this purpose. 
This ship will be a great acquisition, and in- 
deed will be necessary, if much force is requir- 
ed for our undertaking, and no British vessel 
of war, as we apprehend, is engaged. 

The Black Emperor's principal officer sta- 
tioned at this port has sent a letter onboard to 
the commanding officer of the Leander, de- 
manding the reason why our ship has not en- 
tered at the custom house. The true reason, 
I suppose, is that it was deemed unnecessary to 



34 

gt> through this form, we having no views of 
trade, and nothing on board, but what is intend- 
ed for our own use. I do not know what answer 
this letter received ; but the guard is doubled \ 
and many unusual precautions are to be ob- 
served. 

Monday , 3d. March. Yesterday a letter ar- 
rived from Capt. Lewis, announcing his inteiv 
lion of returning this day. He has come ac- 
cordingly, but he brings no intelligence that is* 
made publick, nor can we judge what is the re- 
sult of his proceedings. 

The meeting between him and his Excel- 
lency, though not the most cordial, is more 
friendly than I expected, and I cannot but hope 
their contention will now die. The officers 
are to be permitted to go on shore to-morrow, 
and some of the young men are halffrantick 
with the idea. One half will be allowed to leave 
the ship at one time, and all will draw lots in 
the morning to determine who shall first be let 
out of prison. If I get a first turn, I shall ex- 
change it with some one more eager for the 
release than myself, that I may finish letters to 
send by a vessel that will sail for the United 
States in two davs. 



LETTER V. 

Columbian colours displayed. — Schooner Bee 
chartered. — Report from Laguira. — Aspa- 
sia. — Disturbance in the Bee. — Disappoint- 
ment respecting the ship Emperor~-Schooner 
Bacchus engaged — supposed to bring a spy-~~ 
"Treatment of a Danish vessel. 

March \2th, 1806. 

THIS day the Columbian colours were dis- 
played on board for the first time. This En- 
sign is formed of the three primary colours 
which predominate in the rainbow. We made* 
a fete on the occasion — a gun was fired and 
toasts were drank to the auspices of a standard, 
which is expected to wave to the triumph of 
freedom and humanity in a country long op- 
pressed, 

IMh. Our attention has for several days 
been attracted by the schooner mentioned be- 
fore. She is equipped as a privateer, and fre- 
quently sails backwards and forwards across 
the harbour. She comes very often within 
gun shot and remains in sight for hours ; and 
is probably a French privateer or some vessel 
stationed here to watch our motions. Last 
night the guard was doubled again and orders 




given to keep a strict look-out ; under the ap- 
prehension that she might send her boats in, to 
cut out some vessels in port, which our gene- 
ral, in the exercise of the right of the strong- 
est, if no other, will undoubtedly prevent, 
should it be attempted. 

The supercargo returned from Port au Prince 
to-day. He brings no news of interest, except 
that I understand a Philadelphia schooner, call- 
ed the Bee, has been chartered to accompany 
the Leander. Having no guns, she will not 
add to our force so much as to our comfort, 
by taking out some of our officers and men, 
who are greatly in one another's way in this 
small ship, 

l§th. An event has occurred, that excites 
a suspicion in my mind that we shall not arrive 
at the Main unlocked for. A schooner came 
in here yesterday, named the Bacchus, the mas- 
ter of which gave the following account, w r hen 
hailed by the Leander, viz. that he sailed from 
Philadelphia bound to Laguira, and on his arrival 
there he found the place blockaded, or heard 
that ail the vessels in port were under embargo 
(I don't know which) and therefore he made 
the best of his way to St. Domingo. On what 
account this blockade or embargo was made 



37 

he professes not to know. This relation of 
the master, was and is represented to the com- 
pany on board, who you, may suppose are na- 
turally inquisitive on the subject, as entitled to 
no confidence. The general and captain ap- 
peared peculiarly incredulous. But I observed 
it kept our chief and his confidential officers, 
for hours in secret conversation. 

It being my turn to go on shore, I was the 
more desirous to improve it, in the hope of 
getting some further intelligence at the coffee 
house or elsewhere ; for on board nothing is 
to be learned of any material circumstance, 
and our curiosity is discouraged as inconsist- 
ent with that confidence and secrecy which is 
necessary to be maintained by the principals in 
the expedition. But I gained no satisfaction, 
not meeting with any of the officers or crew of 
the Bacchus. What information I received fa- 
voured the suspicion that the vessel, perhaps 
through the agency of the Spanish minister, 
left Philadelphia as a spy ; or at least that she 
came in that character from the Main to this 
place. Notwithstanding his apparent con- 
tempt of the master's story, I find that Miran- 
da proposes to take measures that no persons 
on boaia her shall make such communications 



58 

as may injure the expedition ; which steps he 
says are justified by the laws of .nations, and 
very probably she will not be allowed to leave 
this before us. 

This morning arrived here the Aspasia from 
Baltimore, mounting fourteen guns, command- 
ed by captain Bumberry, Soon after she came 
in sight, she hoisted two signals and fired two 
guns, and the privateer schooner, which has 
appeared so often, after apparently standing 
out to escape her, hove about and come with- 
in speaking distance. Our doubts whether 
the ship was a friend or enemy, occasioned 
Lewis to prepare the Leander for defence ; 
and we remained at our quarters till we saw 
her taking in sail and making ready to anchor, 
captain B. confirms our suspicions respecting 
the schooner. 

March 18th. The Bee lies close under our 
stern ; last night between eight and nine 
o'clock, a voice from her called for assistance, 
and at the same time the noise seemed to in- 
dicate a mutiny or riot. Several of the Le- 
ander's principal officers, armed, hastened on 
board and soon produced silence, bringing 
four or five sailors away, who were put in irons 
{during the night. It appears, however, that 



39 

the disturbance was nothing but the effect of 
the liquor drank to the honour of St. Patrick's 
day. But it seemed to give the general as 
much alarm as if it had been a concerted mu- 
tiny. Two of our non-commissioned officers 
were yesterday turned into the ranks for inso- 
lence to their superiors. Miranda is growing 
more strict, and not without necessity, in my 
opinion. Many of our people seem as if too 
well instructed in the right of self government, 
to be governed by the authority, or submit to 
the ordinary and indispensable restraints of 
military service. 

March 23d. After all our delay, we are not 
to be joined by the Emperor. A week ago 
intelligence was received, that she had put to 
sea with the intention of joining the Leander. 
A gentleman this morning from Port au Prince, 
gives information that she has returned into 
port. The reason is supposed to be, that the 
law of Congress, prohibiting intercourse with 
St. Domingo, and the news of which, had 
just come, induces captain Jacob Lew 7 is to re- 
main, in order to close his business in the Is- 
land. 

The schooner Bacchus is to be taken into 
our service, she is or will be purchased by a 



40 

captain Donahue, and chartered by Miranda. 
The officers and crew of this schooner have 
not been on board of her for some time. They 
must have been either persuaded or compelled 
to disappear. 1 hat she was from the first, re- 
garded with suspicion by the general, is cer- 
tain. The night after the arrival of the Bac- 
chus, a gentleman who arrived in her came on 
board our ship on the pretence of visiting an 
officer of his acquaintance, and while here, I 
know he learned a number of particulars re- 
specting our enterprise. He has not been seen 
since. It is said, I believe with truth, that 
Miranda considered him a spy and has obliged 
him to give security, that he will not leave 
this island until we are gone, and that he 
keeps himself close on board some vessel in 
port. 

The captain Donahue, of whom I have 
spoken, is a seaman by profession ; and was 
appointed a major in the Columbian Army, on 
the 19th inst. and Jonathan Smith, esqr. su- 
percargo, was the same day made a brevet 
major. 

This night three American vessels sailed, 
homeward bound. The Leander has been ta- 
king upon herself airs, that I for one, cannot 



41 

approve. But when there are no laws to be 
followed, it is well understood, that those who 
have the power, make laws for themselves. 
It being suspected that the Charleston packet, 
(one of the vessels just mentioned) had taken 
away two of our sailors, the second mate with 
a party of armed men was dispatched for them, 
and upon search found that no man belonging 
to us was in the suspected vessel* On setting 
out to return ,the mate ordered the muskets and 
pistols of his crew to be discharged to prevent 
injury in rowing back. The flashes were seen 
by us, the packet being about two miles dis- 
tant, and it was supposed her captain had re- 
fused to submit to search and that the officer 
had used force to execute his orders. Upon 
this another boat with an armed crew went out 
under the command of the chief mate, and 
meeting the first boat on its way back, they 
went along side of a Danish schooner propos- 
ing to search her for our absent men. The 
master protested against it as a usurpation in 
such language as such conduct would natural- 
ly provoke, but without effect. He was not 
only obliged right or wrong to open his hatch- 
es, but received much personal insult and abuse 

E2 



42 

♦ 

from our mates, besides getting the flat of one 
of their sabres severely laid over his back. 

They forced one sailor out of his bed and 
brought him to the Leander ; and endeavoured 
to justify their proceedings by saying that the 
captain of the vessel to which he formerly be- 
longed had given them permission to secure 
him whenever found ! Had Lewis been here, 
I think this would not have taken place. 



LETTER VI. 

Preparations for departure. — Declaration made 
and sworn to by the officers. — Compensation 
of the officers. 

March 25th, 1806. 

THE last three days have been particular* 
iy employed in preparations for sea ; and I pre- 
sume from the arrangements lately made, we 
shall not remain here much longer. We have 
accepted our commissions as officers in the 
Columbian Army, and made the following en- 
gagements and oath of fidelity to the cause. 

" As Law is the basis of discipline and reg- 
ularity in an army.— We the subscribers, do 
agree to accept from general Don Franciscp 



43 

de Miranda, the different commissions and 
ranks (as specified therein) in the Army of Co- 
lumbia, now raising, or to be raised by him, for 
the service of the free people of South i\meri- 
ca, independent of Spain. And we do also 
hereby solemnly promise to be governed in all 
things agreeable to the articles of war of the 
United States of North America ; with such 
alterations inform only (as have been read and 
exhibited to us) so as to adapt them to the dif- 
ference of government under which we now 
are, or may be ; and until regularly discharged 
from the said army by him, or his successors, 
legally appointed by the supreme authority of 
that country after the service of at least two 
compaigns ; and we acknowledge to have tak- 
en the oath hereunto annexed, as prescribed by 
the third section of the articles of War. — viz ;" 
" I swear to be true and faithful to the free 
people of South America, independent of Spain, 
and to serve them honestly and faithfully against 
all their enemies or opposers whatsoever, and 
to observe and obey the orders of the supreme 
government of that country legally appointed ; 
and the orders of the general and officers set 
over me by them. On board the Leander, 
Jacquemel harbour, 2kth day of March 1806." 



44 

Major Sands feeling some scruples a- 
guinst subscribing to this oath, said that he 
wished to be " perfectly satisfied" that by his 
engagement in this expedition, it should not be 
understood that he did in any measure abjure 
his own country, Miranda observed that in 
order to put our minds at rest on this subject, 
the Major or any other gentleman who chose 
might annex to his signature of the covenant 
and oath, M that they did not intend by taking 
it to cancel their allegiance to the United 
States." This declaration of Miranda was re- 
quisite to the satisfaction of the officers gener- 
ally, though one of the number chose to re- 
mark, u if your excellency permits every per- 
son to make his trifling objections, it will re- 
quire a long time before this well understood 
business can be finished, and what can be done 
on a sheet of paper will require volumes. 5 * 
It was not very obvious what could prompt this 
derision of the scruples of his associates, unless 
that being a lawyer, he thought the judge ad- 
vocate generalcy of the free people of Colum- 
bia would be most likely to fall upon the great- 
est flatterer of the commander in chief, 

This question being settled on deck, the of- 
ficers were summoned into the cabin, where. 



45 

col. Armstrong read and explained the arti- 
cles of war of the United States ; and the al- 
terations in form not in substance or spirit, 
which were to be made in them, " Notice, 
gentlemen," said the colonel, " the object of 
this change is to suit the wording of the arti- 
cles to the local names and situations of the 
country where they are to take effect ; thus 
for the army of the United States, will be sub- 
stituted the army of South America ; and for 
the President, or Congress of the United States, 
will be used the Supreme Authority of the free 
people of South America, or something of this 
kind. 55 The business being thus well under- 
stood, every officer, according to rank, took 
the oath and subscribed his name to the obliga- 
tion. You may observe there are no condi- 
tions as to compensation made with us by Mi- 
randa, except that we shall have the benefit of 
the articles of war of the United States. When 
we engaged at New York with his agents we 
were promised pay on the most liberal scale. 
The pay of a colonel was to be ten dollars per 
day, a major eight, a captain six, a lieutenant 
four, &c. In the general order assigning us 
our commissions, you must have noticed, we 



46 

were to commence rank and pay from the be- 
ginning of this year. 

Towards evening capt. Lewis returned from 
Port au Prince and set about the last prepara- 
tions for our departure. 



LETTER VII. 

Departure from JacquemeL — Change of men to 
the schooners. — Officers engaged at this 
island.— A brawl. — -A sail seen. 

Le under at Sea, March 28/A, 1806. 

AT length is terminated our tedious stay at 

Jacquemel ; and we go we trust " to some 

enterprise that hath a stomach in't" Our na- 
val force is the Leander, attended by two 
schooners, the Bee and Bacchus. The num- 
ber of us all does not exceed two hundred ; for 
we have not recruited our number at this isl- 
and, except with a few officers, and one man of 
colour for a pilot. The men want discipline 
and the officers experience ; this appears to 
you no doubt a miserable force. Miranda 
does not pretend to turn his eyes from our 
weakness, but professes to have other depend- 
ence* He has continually assured us that 



47 

there are good officers and good soldiers, with 
an abundance of every thing in readiness for 
us, the moment we set our feet in South 
America, which, to use his own words, 
11 ceases that instant to belong to the King of 
Spain. The command of the Bacchus has 
been given to capt. Gardner, the Bee is in 
charge of her original master, whose name is 
Huddle. The former has proposed to mount 
several short carronnades, but the general in- 
sists that there is little danger and as little oc- 
casion to arm, and has confined him to one 
gun. If we fall in with French or Spaniards 
of any force, I think our case will be despe- 
rate — and the u question of the fight" will be 
our necks. 

The Leander being extremely full, it was 
necessary to provide for a part of the troops in 
the schooners. For obvious reasons, those, to 
whom the proposition of going on board these 
unprotected vessels, objected, as far as consist- 
with military obedience. After considerable 
difficulty seven officers and several men, in- 
eluding the printers were prevailed upon or 
rather compelled to change their vessel. Nei- 
ther of the schooners, I am informed, has a 
single regular paper to save her from being 



48 

captured by the cruisers or privateers, which 
every where infest these waters; all their de- 
pendence is keeping close to the Leander — if 
they separate, may Heaven's mercies be their 
protection, for they have no other. 

Several gentlemen joined us just before we 
left Jacquemel. You will find their names and 
ranks in the general order of yesterday* — The 
two first gentlemen on this list, are spoken of 
in terms of high commendation, as being such 
characters as we greatly need ; whose junction 
with us is sincerely welcomed, though 1 per- 
ceive their ranks are envied, because they are 
considered as having superceded some oldvol- 



* « Leander, off Jacquemel, March Z7tk, 1806. 
* c G. O. " Parole, Marcellus— Countersign, Intrepidity. 
" The Commander in Chief has been pleased to make 
the following appointments in the 

First Regiment of \A orth American} Infantry, 
George W. Kirkland, Esq. to be a Lieut. Colonel. 
Jeremiah Powell, Esq. Major. 

James F, Ledlie, Gent. Captain. 

Charles Revington, Gent. First Lieutenant. 

Robert Clark, Gent. do. 

Abraham Judale, Gent. Surgeon in the Army. 

James Stedman, Quarter Master with the 

rank of 2d. Lieutenant. 



49 

unteers of Jive weeks standing. Lieut, col. 
Kirkland has the reputation of being an intre- 
pid man, accustomed to service, possessing ex- 
cellent talents, a liberal education, and consid- 
erable military knowledge. 

Mr. Powell, from what ,1 am informed, is 
also no small acquisition. Though not so exten- 
sively versed in the military art, he has all the 
requisite qualifications for becoming a good 
officer and is full of military ambition. He has 
been well educated and possesses abilities much 
beyond mediocrity, with the most amiable 
manners. 

We had expectations that a Mr. Windsor, 
now at Port au Prince and the particular friend 
of these gentlemen, would have joined us ; his 
character would have ensured him a respectful 
welcome ; but his private affairs arrested his 
purpose. 

Of the quality and standing of the rest of our 
new associates I have heard nothing either good 
or bad. If they do any thing worth recording 
you shall hear it. 

We had not been under weigh but a little 
time before the demon of contention appeared 
again. The Bee a few hours ago run foul of 
our ship, stove the small boat astern into a 



50 

thousand pieces ; carried away our taff-rail and 
lost her own jib-boom. Immediately col. A. 
with the speaking trumpet began to reprimand 
the master of the schooner, and ordered him at 
his peril never to approach so near the Lean- 
der in future. Lewis instantly kindled at this 
interference of the quarter master general with 
his duty, and without any ceremony command- 
ed him not to repeat an action of the kind. 
High and insulting words passed on both sides ; 
till Miranda thought it necessary to take part 
in the affray, and notwithstanding his disposi- 
tion to support his nearest officer, in this in- 
stance he decided against him. He schooled 
him very severely. Armstrong received 
these rebukes with great meekness, alleg- 
ing that his anxiety for' the common good 
prompted his interference, but promising that 
he would not offend again; the storm subsided, 
but grim looks are still seen in various direc- 
tions. I suppose the war of frowns and words 
will not cease, till that of balls commences, 
which though more dangerous is not half so 
disagreeable as these eternal jarrings of discord- 
ant tempers. These gentleman can never agree, 
and our captain particularly appears to have an 
invincible dislike to the quarter master general. 



51 

March 3\st. I had scarcely finished the 
last paragraph, when a brig was discovered 
standing towards us; of course we were clear- 
ed for action and ordered to our quarters ; but 
in half an hour, finding she had no mind to 
make acquaintance with us, we retired from 
quarters to bed in sound skins. The general 
is not, nor any of his followers, wholly free 
from the apprehension of meeting a French or 
Spanish vessel of more strength than we shall 
be glad to see ; though the English cruisers 
occasion the Dons and Monsieurs to be very 
scarce in these seas and the danger of being 
met is not great. Should any of the latter and 
we come in each other's way, we shall have but 
one of two alternatives, to run as fast or fight 
as hard as we can ; and we might very possi- 
bly not succeed in either. The last is our 
chief resource, though our crew have more bra- 
very than skill. In sailing, the dullest cruiser in 
the West Indies would be an over match for 
the Leander, otherwise an excellent ship. 



52 



LETTER VIII. 

Another dispute. — Ship falls to the leeward. — 

Chases a vessel. — The Leander cannot use the 

American Ensign* 

April 1st, 1806. 

SURELY the pope and the holy fathers have 
not invoked heaven against Miranda's expedi- 
tion in vain. It is worse and worse. The 
contest now has been between Lewis and the 
general, Capt. Gardner of the Bacchus ad- 
dressed a line to col. Armstrong for some ar- 
ticles for the schooner ; and for an addition of 
hands, complaining that he had not men enough 
to work the vessel. Lewis thought (and very 
properly in my opinion) this note should have 
been addressed to him and that it belonged to 
him to give an answer. The general thought 
otherwise, and observed that Lewis had no- 
thing to do but to obey his orders. Lewis' 
temper could not bear this, and he took his 
stand. He declared the Bacchus should have 
none of his men, as he wanted all for his own 
vessel ; and threatened that if he w r as overrul- 
ed, he would resign. The altercation grew 
more and more violent, till Lewis resolved in- 
stantly to leave the ship. He directed his ser- 



53 

vant to produce his baggage that he might go 
on board the Bacchus, which had been order- 
ed by him to heave to for that purpose. The 
mates of our ship seeing things going such 
lengths, swore they would follow Lewis and 
had their trunks brought on deck to be put in- 
to the boat, then along side. Matters having 
proceeded thus far, col. Kirkland, who had pru- 
dently waited till Lewis' passion had a little 
calmed down, undertook the office of media- 
tion — and by good management at length ac- 
complished the restoration of peace, greatly to 
the satisfaction of every one. The Bacchus 
was supplied, except with the sailors, which 
were deemed unnecessary to her ; and we a- 
gain made sail ; for during the dispute we had 
been laying to. It is a grievous thing that 
Miranda has not taken more pains to cement 
his little band ; and not suffered the ill will and 
malice, which might have been checked at 
first, to take such deep root in the minds of 
some of his principal officers, as to threaten 
deadly effects. 

April 6th. Tell me, if vou can, have all the 
demons of ill will and contradiction tak- 
en a stand against us, that we should fail in 

almost every thing which we set about ? At 
F2 



54 

leaving Jacquemel it was the general's inten- 
tion to anchor at Bonair, a small island near 
that part of the Spanish Main where it is 
supposed we are to land. After being ten 
days at sea, we have the mortification to find 
ourselves, through the ignorance of our pilot, 
carried almost to the bottom of the Gulf of 
Venezuela. We are seventy miles dead to 
leeward of Bonair. What with the trade winds 
and the current, which is common here, and 
may happen to set against us, and most likely 
does, at this very moment, we may be two 
weeks or twenty days in this Gulf. We chas- 
ed a small vessel this morning supposing her 
to be Spanish ; but she gave us the slip by 
running into a river on the north side of the 
gulf ; however, had we caught her, we could 
have done nothing, unless it had been under 
Columbian Colours; and then the capture would 
have been at our peril. It is not long, since 
the general said he did not intend to hoist his 
new flag on board the ship till it was first vic- 
toriously displayed in his native land ; and 
that he had no right to use the American En- 
sign. The latter observation convinces me of 
what. I have long suspected, that he never had 
any official encouragement from our govern- 



55 

meiit, though, as I have before remarked, HtfTias 
frequently insinuated that the president had 
given more than a tacit sanction to his enter- 
prise. 

LETTER IX. 

Arrival at Aruba. — Maneuvering the troops*—* 

Remarks. 

Lea?idcr at Aruba, April lltA, 1806. 

WE have just anchored at this island, after 
a much quicker passage from the Gulf of Yen- 
zuela than we had reason to expect. We had 
trouble in anchoring through the violent wind 
and bad holding ground. We find two ves- 
sels here, a brig and schooner, armed smug- 
glers employed in the trade between the In- 
dian coast on the Main and Jamaica ; which 
at first fired at us, supposing we w r ere Span- 
iards, till we made them understand we were 
friends. 

The general and several officers have taken 
quarters on shore, and I understood our troops 
are to be paraded and exercised here. Hav- 
ing performed this work and got a few sup- 
plies, which we need, we shall proceed imme- 
diately to the land of promise. 



■ 56 

April \$th. Our troops have been con- 
stantly exercising under the direction and in- 
struction of coL Kirkland, who has brought 
them forward wonderfully for the short time 
he has had them in hand. He has a 

great spirit of command and seems already 
to have communicated to these troops a good 
degree of martial port and feeling They 
were reviewed yesterday by the general ; he 
was- highly pleased with their progress and the 
method of training and discipline pursued by 
their commanding officer. The envy that fol- 
lows merit, in this as in anv other service is 
one discouragement from being conspicuously 
useful, or earning distinction from the chief. 
His favour is expected to be a passport to for- 
tune ; and to have much of it is of course no 
recommendation to the good w T ill of those,who 
are competitors for the same boon without the 
qualifications necessary to obtain it by direct 
means. Hence it would not surprise you to 
know that there are those among us who rely 
for favour on flattery and intrigue, rather than 
on their own desert ; and of consequence look 
with an evil eye upon those, who are not oblig- 
ed or inclined to pay the same price for influ- 
ence. In this small society, as a sprightly au- 



57 

thor observes of a great one, that of the city of 
London, ll there is a market for cunning" and 
I hope also " an emporium for honesty," but 
here as there 

" Honest men 
Are the soft easy cushions, on which knaves 
Repose and iatten." 



LETTER X. 

Departure from Aruba — Events till the arrivat 
on the coast. — Singular order*-- A great dis- 
pute* — Resignation oj Lewis — The Main 
land in sight. — Sailors enlisted as soldiers. -,- 
Ready to land. 

April 16th, 1806. 

WE embarked last evening and sailed this 
morning at day light, having in company an 
English schooner mounting six guns, com- 
manded by capt. Phillips, who, the general 
says, will afford his assistance. To this per- 
son he has given written orders, sealed, to be 
opened at a suitable time, a mark of confi- 
dence to a stranger which seems a little extra*- 
ordinary. A man said to be a skilful pilot to 
the Main, was engaged in that capacity at Aru- 
ba. 



58 

\7th. The following extraordinary com- 
mand was this day given out. 

" G. O. Parole, Nelson. Countersign, 
Trafalgar. One subaltern with side arms, to 
mount every morning at 11 o'clock, whose du- 
ty it will be to remain on deck, where he is 
to notice and report immediately to the com- 
mander in chief any thing remarkable that 
may take place during the day. At day light 
in the morning he is to call upon lieut. col. 
Smith, his aid-de-camp, and report to him whe- 
ther any land or vessels are in sight, the situa- 
tion of the vessels which accompany the Lean- 
der ; and should any officer have any commu- 
nication of consequence to make during the 
time he may be asleep, he begs it may be im- 
mediately communicated to his aid-de-camp, 
who has directions to call upon him, at all 
times when duty requires it." 

The original order made it the duty of the 
subaltern " to observe the courses and distan- 
ces of the ship throughout the twenty four 
hours ; the direction of the wind ; and to no- 
tice the working of the vessel, &c." This 
Lewis ridiculed and declared it should not be 
put in force, which led the general to direct it 
to be modified as above. I thought there 



59 

would be another clashing of jurisdictions and 
that we should see another battle. 

There is to be sure no more occasion for 
such an order as this, than there is to station a 
Catholic altar on the mast head ; and it will 
do as much s;ood. With two or three 
exceptions, none of the subalterns know a sin- 
gle point of the compass, stiil less do they un- 
derstand the management of a ship. It is the 
custom now, in consequence of this new regu- 
lation, to see one of our redoubtable subalterns 
approaching from the cabin equipped in full 
uniform, armed with a long rusty dragoon sa- 
bre, with a roll of paper in one hand and a pen- 
cil in the other to minute down the occurren- 
ces of the day, amidst the pointed ridicule of 
Lewis and his mates ; and the stifled laughter 
of the whole ship's crew. Still, however, the 
quarter master general persists in requiring 
this unnecessary and ludicrous duty. 

April 2\st, 11 o" clock at night. An adverse 
star sheds its malignant influence over our ex- 
pedition ; or in plain language we have no 
principle of union. More rage, thunder and 
fury broke out this morning between the old 
disputants, Lewis and the general. The very 
ship herself trembled at the uproar ; conster- 



60 

nation, dread and dismay reigned in every 
countenance within her sides. We are quiet 
at this moment ; but Heaven only knows how 
long harmony, or rather smothered vengeance 
is to have its duration. The general is pos- 
sessed with an idea that the ship has not been 
managed to the best advantage by Lewis and 
his officers, since we last put to sea. He has 
several times expressed his doubts to persons 
most acquainted with seamanship on board ; 
w 7 ho have, I believe, treated them generally as 
groundless. But whenever his excellency has 
persuaded himself into an opinion, he is like a 
stream which will not roll back. Reasoning 
and facts are but vain breath. He has taken it 
into his head that he is a sailor as well as a general 
and a philosopher ; and he seems to think that 
a ship may be forced to make head way in a 
calm, or beat to windward with the greatest fa- 
cility, against strong currents and light winds j 
and because the Leander ridicules his new hy^ 
pothesis in not doing either of these impossi- 
bilities, he has become impatient, ill tempered 
and abusive, scolding from morning till night 
at the poor navigators for what he calls their 
inattention, neglect and disaffection. In vain 
do they urge that the moon or trade winds im- 



61 

pel the waters to the westward ; his excellen- 
cy is in a hurry to sail in an opposite course 
and blames the captain and mates because we 
do not advance in that direction ; and because 
they do not understand the art of obliging the 
wind to blow fresh in a season of the year when 
calms are common and to be expected. 

Two days ago in the afternoon we were at 
no great distance from Curacoa and expected 
to reach Bonair in a short time ; however, that 
ill luck which seems always to be at our el- 
bow, brought on a stormy night and we were 
frequently obliged to shorten sail ; the ship was 
labouring twelve hours in a heavy sea, with a 
strong current setting against her. Under 
these circumstances nothing could be expected 
but that the ship would drift to leeward. The 
next morning this was found to have been the 
case ; in consequence of which the general 
this day called a council of war to inquire into 
the affair. The pilot, whom we engaged at 
Aiuba, was examined, and the opinions of ma- 
jor Powell and major Donahue and others were 
taken ; and a report was made unfavourable to 
Lewis. I have no doubt that a majority of the 
council gave their sincere opinions and gave 

them with delicacy and candour. I will answer 

G 



62 

for several of them that they are superior t6 
malice against the captain ; and are incapable 
of seeking the general's favour by doing an in- 
jury to another. But in my apprehension their 
anxiety to reach the scene of operation and 
their uncomfortable situation in a crowded ship, 
disposing them to be impatient at any thing 
having the appearance of intentional neglect or 
delay, has warped their better judgment ; and 
made them censure where they should have ac- 
quitted. The only important fact in support 
of their sentence is that the third mate was 
asleep on Saturday night, when a heavy squall 
struck the ship and compelled her to bear 
away almost before the wind till the topsails 
could be clewed down and reefed : but during 
this time, she could not at the utmost have fal- 
len to leeward more than a league. The 
blame here belongs to the subordinate not to 
the principal officer ; and it would have been 
very right to punish the offender severely. 
The current, heavy swell and the impossibili- 
ty of carrying sail with safety in bad weather 
on a ship whose rigging is bad enough for con- 
demnation are sufficient to account for our slow 
progress. An unprejudiced person, versed in 
navigating a vessel, would be satisfied, I think, 
that capt. Lewis has done his best. 



63 

As soon as our captain was informed what 
the general and council of war had been about 
in the cabin, he flew into a rage not far remov- 
ed from madness ; and poured out his senti- 
ments to Miranda in the most plain and une- 
quivocal terms, though I do not remember to 
have heard him make use of any ungentleman- 
ly expression. Miranda's temper not less vio- 
lent than the other's took fire, and for some mi- 
nutes it was a difficult matter to hear the sound 
of one's own voice. Col. Armstrong endea- 
voured several times, and resorted to manv ex- 
pedients, to produce a reconciliation ; but as 
happened before had the misfortune to involve 
himself still more deeply in the displeasure of 
both parties. In his resentment Lewis resign- 
ed his military commission ; and has ceased to 
be any longer a colonel in Miranda's service, 
with which he declares he is sincerely sorry he 
ever had any concern ; and that in future he 
will have nothing further to do with his excel- 
lency or his enterprise, more than to secure the 
interest of Mr. Ogden. 

What will be the final consequence of this 
affair, cannot be foreseen. If Lewis chooses 
to revenge himself, he can do it in a sovereign 
degree, by objecting to the sailors leaving the 



64 

ship to become soldiers, when we reach the 
place of destination ; for not a man of them 
will stir without his consent. But I believe he 
will not take such a step, however he may- 
think himself injured. 

April 22d, 9 o'clock, P. M. The Bee has had 
the misfortune to spring her main mast ; but it 
was repaired immediately by the carpenters of 
our ship. Had the weather been boisterous, it 
is likely we should have added the loss of this 
vessel to our other troubles. Major Donahue 
was sent on board the Bacchus this morning and 
ordered to hasten with all dispatch to the island 
of Bonair with a mission from the general relat- 
ing to the expedition. His object no doubt is to 
obtain intelligence, and particularly to see wheth- 
er diere are any vessels at that island, as his ex- 
cellency has said that he expected one or more 
British frigates or a vessel of less force there, 
which would attend him to the Spanish Main., 

Wednesday, April 23d, 5 o'clock, P. M. We 
are now laying to, off the principal town of Bo- 
nair, waiting to be joined by the Bacchus. She 
is coming out, and 1 we shall hear the news in 
the course of an hour. 

Six o'clock. The major has just this instant 
returned on board. There are no British ve§- 



65 

sels in this port ; and I believe he brings no 
important intelligence. 

April 24>th, 10 o'clock, A. M. Curacoa. Lit- 
tle Curacoa, Bonair and the main land are all in 
sight, the weather is charming — the wind just 
as it ought to be for our purpose ; and we are 
all animation, full of business and bustle, 
making ready to land among the Spaniards, 
whom we have so long promised to visit. We 
have shaped our course for Ocumara, and are 
standing towards our destined port under ea^ 
sy sail. The English schooner which joined 
us at Aruba, finding that we did not proceed 
to the Main as soon as we expected, has left 
us. The general says that capt. Phillips had 
only consented to accompany him on condi- 
tion that we should make an attempt to land in 
eight days from our leaving Aruba. 

April 25th. I have before observed to you 
that the men are greatly attached to Lewis, and 
if required would obey no authority but his. 
Though they have submitted to be drilled as 
soldiers and have heretofore probably expect- 
ed to bear arms on shore, yet they were never 
absolutely engaged for that purpose. The 
principal officers thought it necessary, before 

coming to land, to propose to these men to en- 
G2 



66 

list; but they declined, alleging that they 
were not bound by anything but the ship's ar- 
ticles. The disputes that have arisen between 
Lewis and the general had created in their 
minds a suspicion and dislike of the latter ; and 
the many delays and disappointments we have 
experienced had depressed their spirits and 
made them indisposed or averse to enrolling 
themselves in Miranda's service. It seemed 
left to the officers to devise a method of over- 
coming this backwardness of the sailors and 
use their personal influence with them to con- 
cur, for Miranda could not or would not move 
first in the business though it was so indispen- 
sable and certainly would not take care of it- 
self. He had the folly, I may almost say ef- 
frontery to maintain that there was no occasion 
to consult the sailors and that they might be 
compelled to serve on shore ; which was say- 
ing that they might be compelled without the 
right or power to compel, or that the officers 
might first fight the sailors and with them f 
when subdued, fight the Spaniards ! Major 
Powell suggested the plan of making the offers 
contained in the following proclamation* which 
he drew up and which, after finding that the 
tars would not risque their necks and the loss 



0/ 



of their wages as seamen of the Leander for no- 
thing, the general condescended to sign. In 
the meantime capt. Lewis was consulted to 
know whether he would encourage the sailors 
to join the army, as it had been whispered 
that one of the mates had declared that not a 
man would leave the ship except Lewis com- 
manded the landing. In this affair however he 
acted with perfect fairness and good nature ; 
and not only gave a promise to use his influ- 
ence with the crew in favour of the proposals, 
but performed it w r ith more zeal than from pre- 
vious events might have been expected. 
PROCLAMATION. 

44 General Miranda, commander in chief of 
the army of Columbia, wishing to encourage 
the services and zeal of those of the crew of the 
Leander, who volunteer for the land service, 
engages to give the following bounty and re- 
ward to every man who manifests spirit and 
promptitude in landing and forming himself 
under the standard of Columbia on shore. 

44 1st. Thirty dollars per month as pay from 
the day of enrolment. 

44 2d. A bounty of fifty dollars per month to 
all tho->e who at the close of the campaign shall 
receive from his commanding officer a certifi- 



68 

cate of his having distinguished himself in the 
service. 

" 3d. And the non-commissioned officers 
an additional pay and bounty in proportion. 

" 4th. And moreover desirous to provide for 
the continual prosperity and happiness of all 
those, who shall distinguish themselves ; to 
every man who wishes to return to his family, 
a gratuity proportioned to the fidelity and cou- 
rage he shall have testified. " 
On board the Leander, at sea, 

the 25th of April, L806. 
(Signed) 

FRAN : DE MIRANDA. 

When this paper had been prepared in the 
cabin, it was handed to capt. Lewis on deck, 
who read and explained it to the crew ; howe- 
ver they still held back. The officer then, 
commanding the regiment in which they were 
to be placed, and in whose favour they were 
very much prepossessed, addressed them in 
language adapted to their capacities* He stat- 
ed the favourable chances and prospects of the 
service for which they were required, and as- 
sured them that he would accept no compen- 
sation for his own services, until he first saw 
all the promises contained in the proclamation 



69 

just read to them fulfilled. By this time they 
were generally prepared to accept the offers 
made to them. Their names were successively 
taken down ; many of them immediately sub- 
scribed to the oath of fidelity ,and the rest follow- 
ed in the course of the day. Seventeen only in- 
cluding officers remained to manage the ship. 
This number, deducted from that of our crew 
and added to those before attached to the army, 
makes our efficient force consist of about one 
hundred and eighty three souls including per- 
sons of every description. 

Not much now remains to be done, before 
we shall be entirely prepared to attempt our 
long projected landing. 

Six miles from the shore of Ocumara, 6 
0' clock, P. M. The following order is just is- 
sued. We are in high spirits ; we shall land 
this night and enter upon our new destinies. 

44 G. O. The officers and soldiers of the 
Columbian army, are to hold themselves in rea- 
diness to land at a moment's warning, on the 
ship's arrival in port, which is expected to be 
this evening." 

By order of the Commander in Chief 
(Signed) B. ROORBACH, 

Major of Brigade 



70 



LETTER XL 

The Leander attacked by two Spanish Guar da 
Cost as. —The schooners Bee and Bacchus cap- 
tured.-- Rencounter with them.-— Lewis not to 
blame for the loss of the schooners. — Names of 
the officers and men captured. — Discovery of 
the want of water. — Shape our course for the 
island of Bonair. — The officers entertain sus- 
picions of their chief — They have private 
consultations. — Conduct of the general in the 
action and subsequent council of war and their 
determination. — Reflections &V# 

Leander,) at sea, May 6th 7 1806. 

WE are ruined. We have been obliged 
to leave the Main without landing ; and what 
is infinitely worse, to leave a large part of our 
people and associates in the hands of the Span- 
iards. Our motions were watched by two 
Spanish guarda costas, who gave us battle and 
have succeeded in capturing our schooners 
with nearly sixty of our men and officers, and 
a large quantity of arms and ammunition. 
Thus are we involved in disgrace and defeat, 
attended with the keenest aggravations. Well 
may the Spaniards triumph over us baffled and 



71 

confounded as we have been in the very out- 
set. Miserable infatuation that brought us 
here to prove our improvidence and weakness. 
God have mercy on our captured friends, be- 
guiled by misplaced confidence to their ruin, 
destined probably to drag out a wretched ex- 
istence in slavery, or meet an ignominious 
death. 

I could not write before ; this dreadful af- 
fair has kept me silent ; I will now endeavour 
to give you a relation of our misfortune. 

At six o'clock in the morning, on the 27th 
of last month, we saw two strange vessels 
standing along the land. The general thought 
proper to give them chace ; as soon as they 
discovered us making after them, they crowd- 
ed sail and run for the shore. At ten o'clock. 
A. M. we gave over the chace, hauled close to 
the wind and stood off from the land ; at this 
time we were about twenty miles distant from 
Porto Cabello. Regardless of those two ves- 
sels, which were a brig and schooner, we began 
at meridian to make the necessary preparations 
for landing at night. The Bee and Bacchus 
were both laying to, with their boats out, for 
the purpose of conveying the troops, arms, &c. 
on board. These small vessels, on account 



72 

of their little draught of water, were to be em* 
ployed to land the detachment. While we were 
thus busied, the two vessels before mentioned, 
and which we found to be guarda costas, about 
two leagues and a half distant, were seen, en- 
deavouring apparently to get up with us ; this 
was at three o'clock in the afternoon. Our 
boat, which had been carrying arms to the 
schooners, was instantly hoisted in ; the other 
b^ats ordered back to their respective vessels, 
and the ship cleared for action. Though some 
doubts had been started, it was the general o- 
pinion that these vessels were Spaniards ; and 
that they could if disposed get within gun shot 
of us, in the course of the night. But the gen. 
eral continued in the resolution of effecting an 
immediate landing if possible. To this end, 
after sun set, we stood in for the place at which 
the debarkation was to have been made, at no 
greatdistance from Porto Cabello ; but ourde- 
sign was frustrated by the pilot. He mistook 
the intended spot, owing to the darkness of the 
night, and the similitude of the mountains and 
land marks along the coast. At the discovery 
of this mistake major Powell and major Don* 
ahue went on board of the Bacchus, in order 
to reconnoitre the shore, and to find the place 



7S 

proposed for landing the troops. Whether 
they were ordered on this duty by the general, 
or volunteered their services I know not ; but 
certain it is, that the affair terminated very dif- 
ferently from our expectations. It was suppos- 
ed that they could soon find the spot, or dis- 
cover the pursuit to be vain ; and that they 
would not be more than an hour or two ab- 
sent. At the expiration of this time signals of 
recall were made, and frequently repeated 
through the night ; but, unfortunately, they 
were either not seen or not attended to. 

About midnight the Spaniards were again 
seen ; and signals were perceived passing be- 
tween them and the fort of Porto Cabello. 
Our crew were kept at quarters all night and 
ready for action in the morning. Before sun* 
rise our enemies hoisted Spanish colours ; — 
we hoisted none — however, the American jack 
was flying as a signal for the two schooners to 
keep close to the Leander. At a quarter past 
8, A. M. one of the Spaniards, (the brig) open- 
ed a fire upon the Bacchus, then close in shore 
under a heavy press of sail, which soon after- 
wards she took in, and anchored. This was a 
matter of surprise to every body — but partic- 
H 



74 

ularly to Lewis, who could not imagine the 
meaning of so strange conduct at such a time. 

At 11. A. M. the sea breeze favouring us, 
we bore down on the enemy and commenced 
firing from our starboard guns. Both vessels 
instantly opened upon us ; but we w r ere too 
far apart, either to receive or do any material 
damage. The action, or rather skirmish last- 
ed only thirty four minutes. Our men w r ere 
spirited, and gave three cheers, on being told 
by Lewis that the general would give them the 
enemy's vessels, if they acted like brave fel- 
lows ; meaning that none of the officers should 
share in the prize money. We sustained but 
little injury from the fire of the Guarda Costas. 
The enemy endeavoured to avoid close ac- 
tion ; had they shortened sail to let us come 
up, it was captain Lewis' intention to board 
the moment a chance offered ; but neither of 
them would show an opportunity. This in- 
duced him to stand off from them, with the ap- 
pearance of running, supposing that they would 
follow us, and as they would probably have sep. 
arated in the chase, it would have given us the 
advantage of engaging singly ; but they per* 
ceived our design, and instead of pursuing us, 
they made for our schooners, then at too great 



75 

a distance, as they had borne away to escape, 
to be protected by the Leander ; and we were 
doomed to the inexpressible anguish of seeing 
our friends fall captive into the hands of ene- 
mies, from whom they could hope for no mer- 
cy ; and ourselves, though ready to encounter 
every risk, deprived of all power to afford them, 
relief or attempt their rescue. 

Perplexity and distress ensued in our ship. 
What shall be done was the question ? — 
14 What say you captain? — what say you gener- 
al ?" — various persons were consulted, and it 
was soon determined, to stand off, and I be-, 
lieve for good reasons ; if it was anv object to 
save ourselves. No doubt this conduct will 
be pronounced cowardly ; but hardiness is not 
courage. Had we pursued the Spanish vessels, 
sailing much faster than we, they would un- 
doubtedly have run into port, where we could 
not follow them without being cut to pieces 
by the guns of the fort. If it was proper for 
us to engage them, double in force to us as they 
were, still we could not doit without their con- 
sent, and this they had evinced, by their mak- 
ing off, that they would not give. They were 
content with capturing our schooners, on board 
of which, they had seen many of our men and 



76 

arms carried, supposing, that in accomplishing 
this, they could entirely frustrate our design, 
without risking an encounter with the Lean- 
der. The misfortune is to be ascribed to the 
commanders of the schooners not observing or 
not obeying the signals made for their govern- 
ment. They were ordered to stay by the Le- 
ander ; had they done so, she would have 
been victorious or would have shared their fate,, 
whatever it might have been. 

As the landing did not take place, it is im* 
possible to say, what would have been the re- 
sult, judging from all circumstances, 1 appre- 
hend it would have been disastrous. The 
plan of our operations as explained to me, was 
that a detachment of a hundred men or more, 
Vinder majors Roorbach and Powell should first 
go on shore ; and the general and remainder of 
the force should stay on board, till the fate of 
the first party should be known. The precise 
place fixed upon for landing was not pointed 
out to any but the commanders ; but it was 
said to be one side of a fort near Porto Cabel- 
lo ; which our troops were to attempt to take- 
on the land side, if found vulnerable there ; but 
if this would not do, they were to leave the 
fortress and make for the interior, in expecta- 



77 



tion of being joined by the inhabitants, or reach- 
ing the patriots, always declared by the gene* 
ral to be embodied under Don Pedro Minto. 
You have below* a list of the names of the of- 
ficers and men captured in the schooners, and 
probably you may know some of these unfor- 
tunate victims of this ill-fated expedition. 



* Officers. 
Majors Powell, 

Donahue, 
Capt's. Duraing, 
Billop, 
Mr. Lippencott, 
Lieut's* Farquharson, 
Moore, 
Sullivan, 
Mr. Negus, 
Lieut's, bhannon, 

Hall, 
Privates. 
Benjamin Nicholson, 
Robert Rains, 
John Hays, 
George Furguson, 
William Long, 
F. Riggers, 
Elisha King, 
Samuel Price, 
Joan Burk, 

H2 



Officers. 
Capt's Gardner. 
Burgudd; 
Heckle, 
Huddle, 
Lieut's Johnson* 
Ferris, 
Kemper, 
George, 
Ingersoll; 
Gill, 

Saunders, 
Privates. 

William Burnside, 

John Pompey, 

William Pride, 

James Grant, 

Thomas Builmgbanr, 

Robert Stephens, 

John Scott, 

David Shenton, 

Alexander li utchannan^ 



7® 

There were about seven privates whose names 
I do not know. A son of capt. Heckle twelve 
years of age was in the same vessel with his 
father. Huddle, Lippencott and Negus be- 
longed to the Bee, captain, supercargo, and 
mate. 

The thought of these men, in spite of at- 
tempts to appear at ease, lies heavy on my spir- 
its. I revolve the fate of major Powell par- 
ticularly with grief. He was one of the most 
amiable of men ; by heart, mind and manners, 
qualified to be loved and esteemed. Amidst 
all the scandal and ill will among us, I never 
heard a mouth open against him. What sad 
intelligence awaits his friends and relatives at 
home ? There is no peril which we would not 
encounter to rescue our comrades ; but what 
can we do ? 

The day after the encounter (April 29th,) it 
appeared that we were exposed to a new and 



F> W. Raymond, MalheW Bucchannan, 

Joseph Bennet, Benjamin Davis, 

Daniel McKey, John Parsells, 

M.Smith, Stephen Burtis, 

Henry Sperry, Peter Naulty, 
John tdsell. 



79 

unexpected evil. There was but a single cask 
of water on board and we were reduced to an 
allowance of a pint per man.* 

It was necessary to seek a port for a fresh 
supply, and we steered for Bonair ; where hav- 
ing a good wind, we fortunately arrived that 
very night, or we should soon have found our- 
selves escaped from the sword to perish by 
thirst. 

Having remained at Bonair a short time, to 
get a few necessaries, we set sail, and have been 
at sea since the first of this month, aiming for 
the island of Trinidad. 

Whilst we lay at Bonair the officers had much 
private consultation with one another concern- 
ing what could or should be done. Almost ev- 
ery individual seemed impressed with an idea 
that our leader had deceived us, as well as him- 
self; I have no doubt but some thought of re- 
fusing submission and putting themselves and 
the ship under some other command; butthe haz- 
ards of the attempt appeared too serious. We 
could not but feel disgusted and incenbed that 
Miranda should lead us headlong into danger 



* It was not till the time of the action that we discoyer- 
A our water was so nearly exhausted. 



so 

#nd destruction, which he ought to have fore- 
seen or known. There could be no doubt in 
his mind, before we left St. Domingo, that the 
Spaniards were apprized of our design ; and 
were prepared to give us a warm reception. 
He was disappointed in not having the Empe- 
ror. If she w r as necessary, why did he not give 
up his plan and make some difinitive arrange- 
ments for that British assistance, which he said 
he could have, and indeed, which he always pro- 
fessed, insincerely, I now believe, to expect. 

During our skirmish the general behaved 
with great coolness ; and when entreated by his 
officers to go below, as on his life every thing 
depended, derided their fears, and kept his 
place on deck. After our discomfiture and re- 
treat he was in great turmoil. — Sometimes ab- 
sorbed, sometimes venting himself in bursts of 
execration against the captain of the Emperor- 
in complaint at the English for not coming to 
our help, and sometimes dejected. But he 
seemed inclined to see us as little as possible \ 
and did not try to explain or vindicate his con- 
duct, or enable us to understand why his 
schemes had been thus blasted in the bud. It 
gave him evident uneasiness and displeasure, 
when any of iu, intLmued a wish to hear a plau~> 



81 

sible account of our disaster. He has now re- 
sumed a collected and decided manner ; and 
speaks as though the design was still perfectly 
practicable and the resources for it abundant ; 
but it had received the late check from a cas- 
ualty not to be expected again. To show his 
confident manner, which came to him on a sud- 
den, speaking of one of his field officers, he 
says, " I hope in two months to see him at the 
head often thousand men." This undiscour- 
aged air of the general serves to keep alive the 
hopes of the reflecting part of our little band, 
that he has means to effect his object. 

Two days after we sailed from Bonair, the 
general, who had stiil an idea of landing on the 
Main, without being reinforced, called a coun- 
cil of war, at which were present all the officers 
in his service. When they were convened, he 
proposed two plans for their consideration. 

The first was to proceed to Trinidad for the 
purpose of obtaining military and naval sue* 
cours ; which he stated would certainly be fur- 
nished by the British to facilitate his enterprise ; 
and also, to procure further information respect- 
ing South America. 

The second proposition was to attempt an 
immediate landing at Coro. 



82 

The council unanimously agreed that we 
Should proceed on our course to Trinidad, 
where, from the information of the general, they 
supposed that we should certainly obtain all 
the assistance necessary to effect the grand ob* 
ject, on which the greater part are bent. The 
plan of going to Coro was rejected, because it 
appeared probable to the council that we should 
again be attacked by the Guarda Costas, which 
it seemed likely would repair to the Gulf of Co- 
ro, under the supposition that we would attempt 
a landing at that place. Besides, we are so 
weakened by our loss, that without a reinforce* 
ment we cannot attempt any thing with the 
slightest prospect of success. 

Until we reach our destined port, we must 
patiently bear a number of privations and in- 
conveniences. We have no great supply of 
water, nor is that little good ; we are allowan- 
ced at three pints per day each man, which at 
this rate will last about twenty days. Cur 
bread, pork and beef are scarce, and by no 
means the best. Thus situated, you must see,, 
that we have but a gloomy prospect in view, 
when you add that we have to beat against 
head winds and contrary currents every mite 
of the distance to Trinidad. 



83 



LETTER XII. 

Undignified conduct of his excellency to one of 
his officers, &c. 

May 9th, 1806. 
IT belongs to my story to relate an in- 
stance of the general's violence, that made me 
blush for the honour of grey hairs, learning 
and experience. It happened on the quarter 
deck in the presence of all the officers and the 
whole ship's crew at bonair, two or three days 
after our misfortune. Stung as he is with dis- 
appointment, he might plead Orlando's ex- 
cuse for something uncourteous ; 

** The thorny point 

" Of bare distress heth ta'cn from me the shew 
" Of smooth civility." 

But what I am going to relate was outrageous 
passion. 

One of the engineer officers, having got in- 
to some embarrassment on shore, through 
want of money, on his return to the ship, was 
mentioning the circumstance to one of his com- 
panions ioudenough to be heard by the general 
who was sitting near, and probably ruminating 



34 

on his disaster. In the course of the conversation 
this officer hacbthe imprudence to utter something 
about, " months pay," " can't serve for no- 
thing;" with other treasonable expressions; 
upon which Miranda ordered him to be silent ; 
and not being instantly obeyed, seized him by 
the throat and threw him off the ship's gunnel, 
where he had been sitting, on one of the guns, 
and after repeated twirls, shakes and twists, 
dashed him slap on the deck. The engineer, 
when a little recovered from his fright, opened 
his mouth to this effect ; " you don't mean to 
strike me again, I hope general," " strike you 
again," quoth the general, " yes by G — d I'll 
-exterminate you; where is your respectfor your 
general." " I have always respected you and 
done my duty sir," answered the trembling of- 
ficer. " You have not," replied the chief, u so 
silence this moment sir." " I am not to be 
treated in this manner general ; to avoid it, I 
will thank you for my discharge and I'll go on 
shore at this island." 4; Sirrah" exclaimed Mi- 
randa in a rage, " you shall be dismissed when 
I think proper, and not when you please, you 
are at my disposal, and I shall retain, or send 
you away, as it best suits my purpose." t; But 
I have a right to leave your service," urged the 



85 * 

engineer, " hold your tongue sir, you have no 
rights here but obedience/' retorted his excel- 
lency. The officer, however, insisted on his 
right to leave a service, in which he was ill-treat* 
ed and not paid ; at which the general could no 
loi^ger restrain his passion ; and this shameful 
and ridiculous affair concluded by a severe rub 
of his knuckles over the ridge of the engineer's 
nose, not a little to the annoyance of his under 
lip and chin. 

Though I felt the utmost indignation at the 
sisrht of this outrage, vet it had so much of the 
ludicrous, that I could not help laughing. Im- 
agine a short, plump, toad-fashioned man (for 
such was the lieut. of engineers) tumbled head 
over heels, and vice versa and making as many 
grimaces, expressive of fear and anger as a 
baboon thrown into the air, and you will admit, 
if he was not exposed to be seriously hurt, 
there was so much more of the comic than trag- 
ical in the exhibition, as to provoke our risibles. 
But neither I nor any ether, could suppress a 
feeling of disgust and abhorrence at the want of 
self-command and of dignity in the commander 
in chief. He had cause undoubtedly to resent 
the language of the engineer, who was a little 

excited with liquor ; vet the proper course 

I 



86 



would have been to put him under arrest 
for trial. What security has any of 113 
under the command of a man who can be 
carried away by brutal fury ? God grant, we 
may not find ourselves at the mercy of a tyrant. 
If this be a specimen of his administration a- 
mong the free people of Columbia, I think we 
shall have rights on paper and wrongs in 
Fact. 



LETTER XIII. 

Off Margaritia. — Leander endeavours to avoid 
every strange sail — Crew on short allow - 
ance* — Hardships. — Religious service on 
board and Miranda* $ conduct respecting it. 

Leander, at sea, May \kth, 1806. 
WE begin seriously to feel the want of 
water and provisions, and we are obliged to 
use the strictest oeconomy in the expenditure 
of both ; so much so, that we commonly goto 
bed parched with thirst, and gnawed by hun- 
ger. The island of Margaritta is now in sight ; 
but the current is setting so strong against us, 
and the wind so unfavourable, that we shall not 



. 



87 

be able to get up with it for some time, most 
probably, not until we are reduced to four oun- 
ces of bread and a pint of water, if not less or 
even none. 

There is a ship in sight to leeward, that ap- 
pears to be chasing us. According to custom, 
we are crowding sail to get out of her reach. 
There can be no question but that the general 
is much afraid of the ships of his countrymen 
and their allies. We may indeed expect the 
worst, in the event of capture. Yet I would rather 
contend with double our own force, especially 
if the vessel were Spanish, than to be forever 
running away. There is no merit in the choice 
of this alternative ; for we shall famish on the high 
seas, if we continue to show our heels to every 
thing we see floating. We have lost more distance 
in trying to save ourselves from vessels seen 
fifteen miles to leeward, than we can gain in 
beating a month. The other day, (on the 7th 
I believe) we saw a strange sail a long way a- 
stern ; and in an hour afterwards perceived she 
was a ship. I heard the general consulting 
about the propriety of a scamper ; and he 
appealed to one of the officers, who had 
been accustomed to the sea, to know what he 
thought of the matter, " With due respect to 



88 

your excellency's opinion" said he, " we had 
better lay to, till the vessel conies up, and we 
may find her a friend ; most likely she is a Brit- 
ish cruiser, for there are so manv of them in 
these seas and they handle the French and Span- 
iards so roughly, that the latter seldom venture 
out. If she should turn out to be an enemy, 
we must fisrht or do the best we can." li Ah !" 
said the general. u And would you have ua 
risk every thing — the life of our general — our-. 
selves — the troops — and all, by such a rash 
step," inquired a very prudent officer, present, 
at the time ; to whom the other replied — 
H That he magnified the danger," and added, 
" would you have us risk the starving of our 
general — ourselves — our troops — and finally 
lose our ship by drifting on the Spanish Main j 
which must be the case, if we make a practice 
of scudding to leeward every time we see a 
fishing boat or launch." Lewis hates running 
and gave a look of approbation to the last 
speaker. However, it was determined to get 
out of the way ; and the captain must obey 
when his excellency thinks proper to order a 
race ; accordingly, that night we run twenty 
miles to leeward, to get out of the track of a 



89 

ship, which in all probability was an English 
cruiser, or some inoffensive trader. 

May 1 5th. Our good ship is like a thief, 
who apprehends every person he sees may 
detect him. Had you been here, you would 
both have laughed and fretted with me, at the 
quandary our chief was in to day. The ship 
we saw yesterday pursued us several hours, 
fired three or four shot and hoisted several sig- 
nals. All we did, was to hoist the American 
ensign at the mast head and run as fast as pos- 
sible. Lewis would have shortened sail to let 
the stranger come up ; but he was overruled 
by the general and his advisers ; however, he 
put off running till the last moment ; and to 
satisfy the prudence of all parties, towards 8 
o'clock in the evening, he threw overboard a 
decoying light, and altered the course of the ship. 
This decoying light is made of a large lant- 
horn lighted with wax candles, fixed perpen- 
dicularly upon a kind of triangle nailed to the 
upper edge of an half puncheon well ballasted ; 
and in that situation committed to the waves. 
Should this stratagem succeed in the present 
instance, the ship that was chasing us will be 
liable to find herself in the midst of the seven 

brothers, a cluster of rocks and small islands, 

12 



90 

now about twelve miles distant, Grant that we 
are not absolutely ruined by this running ; it 
will make our passage a very long one ; but 
we are now used to disappointments and hard- 
ships, and almost prepared for the worst. Ad- 
ded to hunger and thirst, we are distressed 
by day with the heat of a vertical sun, and by 
continual calms, and the sight of land seen a 
week ago from which we cannot move a mile ; 
and by night, tormented with fiies, cockroaches 
and rats, of which the ship is full. I endeav- 
our sometimes to divert my sufferings by re- 
counting our plagues to you. I have an exam- 
ple of composure and application in the midst 
of vexations and uncertainties in col. K who sits 
dow r n calmly to his studies at eight in the morn- 
ing and continues closely engaged till midnight 
or even later. The general also, at present, ex- 
hibits great patience and tranquillity. His tem- 
parate habits render privations of this kind less 
' irksome to him than they are to most people. 
It is in courts and palaces, among those who 
are surfeited with the gifts of heaven, that God 
is denied or forgotten. From the lap of plen- 
teousness and pleasure the voice of murmur- 
ing arises. The toiling, suffering mariner ac- 
knowledges a supreme being. The pilgrim, 



91 

whose feet are scorched with the burning sand 
of the desert, and whose head throbs under the 
fierce beams of a vertical sun, offers prayer and 
praise to the benevolent author of his existence; 
whilst the philosopher in his easy chair, and in 
the abundance of a luxurious capital, refuses 
his homage to his maker, or doubts the goocL 
ness of his superintending providence, 

A desire to sustain our fortitude, or piet\% 
quickened by distress, has led our captain late- 
ly to revive a custom which he has always ob- 
served in former voyages, of having prayers 
read to his ship's company on Sundays. This 
service is performed by a sedate young officer 
on board. The general does not appear to 
relish this grave work. The moment the ser- 
vice begins, Miranda leaves the deck, and 
when it is ended, re-appears. Two or three offi- 
cers have followed his example. Does he mean 
to have us understand that he has no religious 
faith ? Does he mean bv his actions to deride 
a disposition in his followers to worship the su- 
preme being ? I have been told that to some 
people he has ridiculed these things, though he 
has never done it in my hearing. If, as a phi- 
losopher, he deems religion false, as a politician, 
he should allow it to be useful. Perhaps he 



92 



thinks we are too wicked or engaged in too 
doubtful a cause to have a right to pray ! or he 
may suppose a religious sense will not tend to 
fit us for his purposes. This part of his con- 
duct strikes me unfavourably. 



LETTER XIV. 

Arrival at Grenada — Refreshed, and, sail j or 

Barbadoes. 



Grenada, May 28th, 1806, 
ON the 24th, at evening we saw two ves- 
sels, one a large ship, which we endeavoured 
to avoid by tacking ; but the next morning the 
same ship being found in chase of us, it was re- 
solved to run no more. It was at length ad- 
mitted, that we might as well^ die by sword 
as famine. When the ship had got nearly with- 
in gun shot, we being to windward did not bear 
down, and she fired upon us, but without her 
shot reaching us. Lewis, being persuaded she 
was English, hove to and she came up. See- 
ing a French distinguishing vane at her mast 
head, we began to flutter. But on speaking 
us, she proved to be H. B. M.'s sloop of war 



93 

Lily, who had been for sometime searching For 
the Leander, The commander, captain Camp- 
bell, came on board to pay his compliments to 
general Miranda, and, on returning to his ves- 
sel, sent us some most necessary and most wel- 
come supplies. It was determined that we 
should put into this island, where we arrived 
the next day. The general and suite disembark- 
ed the moment the ship anchored ; and sev- 
eral officers are allowed to step on terra firma 
and partake the comforts of the shore/ You will 
conceive what a treat this must be after such a 
dreadful month as we have passed. From the 
hour we left Bonair, until we were spoken by 
the Lily, we experienced a continued series of 
mortifications, apprehensions and disappoint- 
ments. The weather was always exceedingly 
hot, with light winds or calms, a current com- 
monly setting against us ; and perpetual tack- 
ing to get out of the way of strange sails. In 
addition to this, we were almost in despair for 
the want of provisions and water. In this sit- 
uation it pleased heaven to send the Lily to 
our assistance, at the instant when we had 
broached our only remaining cask of water and 
last battel of bread. / 

The governor of this island, Maitland, has 



94 

eceived our chief with great politeness and 
hospitality , and given him encouragement to ex- 
pect important assistance from the British in a 
second attempt upon the Spanish Main. As 
an earnest he is answerable for our supplies. 
These circumstances a little revive the spirits 
of our volunteers ; who had became rather sick 
of their undertaking and disposed to abandon* 
Miranda. 

Leander at sea. May 30th. Having pro- 
cured supplies, we sailed from Grenada for 
Barbadoes, There we are told the general ex- 
pects to revive his expedition and obtain funds* 
Several officers^ whose purses through empti- 
ness have grievously collapsed, have applied for 
pay, and are informed that they shall be remem- 
bered at Barbadoes.— We are under convoy of 
the Lily— an officer of which, lieut. Barclay, 
has come on board to pilot us into Bridgetown* 



VJ 



LETTER XV. 

• 

At Bridgetown. — Leander libelled and releas- 
ed. — Arrangements with Admiral Cochrane. 
— Lewis resigns. — Vanity and philosophy 
of M. 

Bridgetown, Barbadoes, June 9/A, 1806. 
WE arrived here the 6th. The rumour 
among us is such as to make us suppose the 
expedition is to raise its head again. Admiral 
Cochrane, who is on this station with three 
ships of the line and several frigates, intends to 
further it by putting some of his smaller vessels 
under the orders of Miranda. No regular troops 
andbut few volunteers will be joined to it here ; 
but it is said they will be obtained at Trinidad. 

15th. It is reported that though admiral 
Cochrane is favourable, lord Seaforth, govern- 
or of this island, and general Bowyer, com- 
mander in chief of the West India troops are 
not at all inclined to take up our enterprise. 
Twenty five or thirty volunteers have joined us 
here. In this number may be half a dozen gen- 
tlemen ; the rest I fear, must pass for vagabonds. 

13th. Miranda has lately had another dif- 



§6 

ference with Lewis. A few days ago, he pre- 
tended to have fears for the fidelity of the Le- 
ander's officers and cr£w ; suspecting them of 
a design to leave port clandestinely. To guard 
against this danger, an officer of the army and 
a lieutenant of the Lily were sent on board to 
take necessary measures of precaution. The sails 
of the Leander were unbent and stowed away- — 
her lower yards and top gallant masts struck, and 
thirteen sailors, shipped at New- York, transfer* 
red to the Lily, till w T e should sail for Trinidad. 
At present this poor ship seems threatened with 
another more serious peril. Her innocence is 
brought into question, and she is libelled in the 
custom house. She stands accused of having 
been a long time engaged in an illegitimate and 
contraband trade — meaning the St. Domingo 
trade ; and since she became the reputed prop- 
erty of Don Francisco de Miranda, she is 
charged with nial-practices, in carrying arms, 
ammunition, naval stores, and troops to the en- 
emies of the king of England, " under unac- 
knowledged colours," thus setting a bad ex- 
ample to other private vessels. On these ac- 
counts the officers of the customs appear to 
think they ought to take her out of our pes- 



session ; but whether she will be seized or not 
is uncertain. 

19/A. By good luck or good management 
the general has rescued his ship from the dan- 
ger which hung over her. He has satisfied 
those concerned that he ought not to be con- 
sidered as giving aid to their enemies, though 
he professes to be the friend of the subjects of 
Spain. This is the second narrow escape of 
the kind, which the Leander has experienced. 
It seems to me that Miranda has not made very- 
good arrangements, or he would not appear in 
so ambiguous a character to those on whom he 
relies for co-operation. 

Leander at sea, June 2tsL Yesterday af- 
ternoon we weighed anchor, and sailed from 
Carlisle bay, in company with the Lily and 
H. B. M's. brig Express, and a merchant 
schooner called the Trimmer. 

Previous to leaving Barbadoes, a contract 
was entered into, between general Miranda, for 
the free people of South America, and admiral 
Cochrane as agent for his Britanni k Majesty ; 
the basis of which stipulates, that admiral C. 
shall assist general M. with a certain num- 
ber of vessels of war immediately, and that he 

shall hereafter forward such reinforcements 

K 



98 

as he might have in his power to furnish, in 
case they should be wanted by Miranda; and 
that in the event of our succeeding, Great Brit- 
ain shall always be held by general M. and 
the government which he may establish, 
on the footing of the most favoured nations ; 
that importations in British bottoms shall re- 
ceive a deduction of ten per cent, upon the du- 
ties paid by all other friendly nations, except 
the United States of North America. 

This provisional agreement is to be sent to 
England for the approbation of his Majesty and 
council, and if they see fit and agree to it, the 
future operations of our expedition are to be 
carried on with the concurrence and counsel of 
the British cabinet. How this will be received 
at the court of St. James, it is impossible for 
me to say ; it appears however, that no de- 
finitive arrangements had been settled between 
them and our commander before, as we had 
once imagined and hoped. In this contract, 
Miranda omitted to mention the United States, 
notwithstanding the warm affection which he 
professes for our country, until the impolicy of 
excluding her from the mercantile advantages, 
which he might have the power to confer, was 
stated to him by one of his American officers* 



99 

Further disagreements taking place between 
Miranda and captain Lewis, the latter resigned 
the command of the Leander a day or two pre- 
ceding our departure from Carlisle bay. All 
the mates, the boatswain and gunner and nearly 
forty of the crew left her at the same time, 
though not persuaded to do so, by their cap- 
tain. The ship is now trusted to the manage- 
ment of a very inexperienced young man — 
whose only recommendation to such a place is 
his popularity with the remaining sailors. An 
officer, however, from the Lily is with us, to 
supply the want of our new commander's na- 
val knowledge. 

Leander, near Tobago, June 23d. As the 
cloud that hung over the expedition begins to 
break away, and the fortunes of the chieftain 
become more promising, the expectations of his 
officers awake, and their solicitude about the 
possession of his favour appear. He makes a 
point of saying frequently that the chance of 
promotion in his service depends on merit. 
But he is not entirely singular among men, if 
he allows it a great merit to be disposed to 
please him on any terms, and be willing to 
concur in his fondness of himself. Flattery 
and obsequiousness, with all his philosophy 



100 

can procure a passage to his heart. " When 
I tell him he hates flatterers ; he says he does ; 
being then the most flattered." Some of the 
most shallow and least worthy of our company, 
have purchased marks of the general's regard, 
by supplying the cordial of adulation, for which 
he has no measured thirst, " He that will ab- 
solutely confine his patron to hear only the com- 
mendations which he deserves, will soon be 
forced to give way to others that regale him 
with more compass of musick." On this ac- 
count I have less confidence in his promises, 
for promises at present are all he gives, or I 
suppose has to give. But when the time to re- 
member and perform shall come, and rival 
claims to place shall be set up, he may be ex- 
pected to decide in favour of those, who have 
soothed his vanitv. At the same time he is a 
great moralist or moralizer. Vice and mean- 
ness in every degree and shape are, according to 
his own declarations, entirely against his taste 
and judgment. If you take his word fork, he 
is a lover of virtue even to enthusiasm. He 
is always inveighing against dissimulation and 
injustice, and extolling sincerity and disinter- 
estedness — All the virtues are the themes of 
his encomiums. To use his own language, he 



101 

"abominates tyranny; hates fools ; abhors 
flatterers ; detests pride ; and laments the dia- 
bolical corruptness of modern days. He loves 
freedom; admires candour; esteems wise men; 
respects humility ; and delights in that noble 
and beautiful integrity and good faith which 
distinguished the golden times of antiquity." 
He speaks with great freedom and asperity of 
the faults of the different learned professions. 
According to him, " priests are hypocrites ; 
lawyers, sophisters ; and doctors, pretenders ; 
and virtue has fled this detestable world ; he 
Would lay down a refined philosophy, which 
should have for its object the reformation of 
abuses ;" and finally, he " would renovate the 
perverted minds of mankind, restore the ancient 
beatitude, when every excellence and virtue 
prevailed among men, for the happiness of the 
present race, and the perpetual prosperity of fu- 
ture generations." All this is to be realized in 
South America. 

Miranda is no doubt sincere in these notions 
of perfectibility. Yet one would think the 
French experiment should make a wise man 
pause. This seems to be no other than the 
wild philosophy, which erected the reign of 
blood and terror on the ruins of monarchy, and 



102 

supplied the thirsty guillotine and more thirsty- 
sword with innocent victims. If such scenes 
are to be acted in South America, I shall have 
done with the revolutionizing philosopher. 
The engagements, by which we are bound to 
him, make it at present, next to impossible to 
get away ; and the cause has acquired so much 
appearance of respectability and such means of 
success by the juncture of British force, that 
I resolve to continue, though I cannot say with- 
out some reluctance. 



LETTER XVI. 

At Trinidad. — Officers and men engaged there, 
— General order. — Copt. Johnson. — Foolish 
handbill. — Departure. 

Port of Spain, Trinidad, July 14M, 1806. 
ON the 24th of last month we arrived at 
this island. The affairs of the expedition are 
in such train that it will undoubtedly proceed. 
It is to be assisted by English supplies and na- 
val force, though by no regular troops. The 
British authority here have perhaps not suffi- 
cient confidence in the plan to give it this aid ; 



103 

and if they were disponed, could not do it with- 
out disobliging extremely the French and 
Spanish party here, which is numerous and in- 
fluential. The inhabitants, being chiefly of 
these nations, it is not easy to get men to en- 
list. Notwithstanding this, seventy or eighty 
volunteers have been recruited; and during 
the week to come, which is to be spent here, 
this number may probably be doubled. Be- 
tween twenty and thirty persons have been added 
to the service as officers. A few of them are re- 
spectable men ; but the greater part are low or 
worthless characters ; such as I think Miran- 
da's dear countrymen will not be likely to 
deem an acquisition. The principal and most 
respectable persons are William Gage Hall, 
with the rank of colonel of engineers ; count de 
Rouvray, colonel; Chevalier Loppenot, captain 
of horse ; James Adrien, interpreter and officer 
of engineers ; and two Spaniards ranking as 
colonels ; Trelawney de Belhay, chief de e- 
quadron, Phillip Nihil, 1st lieutenant, Alexan- 
der Bruce, do. Samuel W. Walcott, do. 
Charles Carrington, do. Isaac Robinson, do. 
Le Frecier Loppenot, aid de camp to the 
chief, Daniel Crone 1st lieut. De Sine, do.— 
Robert Roscow, do. Horace Hathaway 2nd 



104 

lieutenant of artificers— and Robert Mc Cui- 
lagh, do. in the rifle corps. 

July lit h. The general order of this da}' con- 
tained the following gracious words; • 

"■Whilst the commander in chief sees with 
regret the inconveniences the officers and sol- 
diers suiter by being so much longer confined 
on board ship, than could possibly have been 
expected, he begs leave to remind them that 
one of the first qualities of a soldier is to bear 
with patience the unavoidable deprivations to 
which a military life is subject ; and at the same 
time, assures them that he will always bear in 
mind what they have suffered, and as far as \i\ 
his power, study to relieve them." 

Though this condolent address was put in 
the orderly books, I suppose not ten of Miran- 
da's followers heard of it. As the first express- 
ion of his regard, since our misfortune, it de- 
serves to be noticed. Were it however known 
to all, it would not do much to reinstate him 
in the affections of his volunteers, especially 
tho^e who left ew-York with him. They 
think him a hard and unfeeling master. I do 
not remember that he has ever made a person- 
al address 10 them, even when in the most try. 
ing. circumstances, lie has appeased insyUsi- 



105 

ble to their sufferings, and careless of their 
wants. If he could not give them good fare* 
they would naturally expect good words; or 
some attempt to soothe and encourage their 
disappointed and dejected minds. They know 
and feel that he has been false ; though all of 
us, who reflect, are sensible that his sanguine 
temper has deceived him. We are just on the 
point of sailing for the land of promise ; yet 
many of us, I am persuaded, would be glad to 
wash our hands of this business. But we are 
among strangers without resources. We have 
engaged ourselves to Miranda for two cam- 
paigns, let w r hat will happen ; — we are not per- 
mitted to resign ; though really we are absolv- 
ed by his neglect to fulfil his part of the con- 
tract. 

The young man, who I sometime ago told 
you commanded the Leander, has been remov- 
ed ; and is succeeded by a captain Johnson, 
who came to this island from Barbadoes on 
purpose to obtain the place he now holds. This 
man was exceedingly ambitious of his present 
situation. He expressed a willingness to haz- 
ard some of his cash to aid the enterprise, if it 
would procure him a command. By some 
means these glad tidings came to the general. 



m 

whose funds are quite low, and Johnson did not 
long wait for the appointment, to which he as* 
pired. 

July 2I*£ With a view to induce people to 
join uh, the general, or some one about him has 
issued the following curious and foolish hand 
bill, which has been circulated through the 
town and stuck up in all publick places. It 
purports to be an address from Miranda to the 
Spanish people here. 
" Friends and countrymen^ 

" The glorious opportunity now presents it- 
self, of relieving from oppression and arbitrary 
government, a people who are worthy of a bet. 
ter fate ; who ought to enjoy the blessing of 
the finest country in the universe, which boun- 
tiful providence has given them ; but who are 
shackled by a despotism too cruel for human 
nature longer to endure. Groaning under their 
present afflictions, they hail with extended arms 
the noble cause of freedom and independence, 
and call upon you to share with them in the 
god-like action of relieving your distressed fel- 
low creatures. Hasten then to join the stand- 
ard of one, who has the happiness to call him- 
self your country man > and is determined to 

i 

rescue his country, and to shed the last drop 



107 

of his blood in promoting its happiness : An 
object, of which he has never lost sight for a 
moment of his life." 

" There will be made a liberal distribution of 
land at the expiration of a twelve month, ac- 
cording to rank; and privates, from the instant 
of enrolment, will be entitled to provision and 
clothing, with a quarter dollar per day as pay, 
not subject to any deductions. 

" Andyou,bravevolunteers of the island,who 
have nobly come forward to partake with us 
our honours, and to share with us our prosper- 
ity, hasten to follow those officers, under whose 
care you have been already trained, and who 
are impatient to lead you on to victory and 
wealth. 

The gulf that Columbus first discovered and 
honoured with his presence, will now witness 
the illustrious actions of your gallant efforts." 

This thing excites nothing but ridicule, and 
the officers are disgusted with it. The general 
disowns the sublime production. There can 
be no doubt, I think, it was issued with his 
knowledge and sanction. He recollects, per- 
haps, that he has already promised the men in 
the service thirty dollars per month, which is 
four times more than is now offered to new re- 



108 



cruits, except the " distribution of land" after 
" twelve months." He reflects also that it is 
no proof oi his caution, to point out the place 
of his intended landing in an island, where 
there is a constant communication with the 
Spanish Main. 

July 25th. At length we have weighed an- 
chor and bent our course for the land we are 
to deliver. We are in the gulf of Paria about 
fifteen miles from the port of Spain, becalmed. 
With the first fair wind Ave shall run through 
the Bocas. The maledictions of many and the 
blessings of few attend us from Trinidad, where 
we were far from being popular ; though indi- 
viduals of us experienced gre<°t hospitality and 
kindness from some of the inhabitants. The 
troops in general, are in full hopes of suc- 
cess. Miranda, says again, excepting the dan- 
gers of the sea, it is infalliable. From the 
smallness of the force with which he proposes 
to enter the country, it is evident he must have 
great dependence on the readiness and the a- 
bility of the inhabitants to join his standard. 
The number of our force. including the officers 
and sailors who will land from the ships, does 
not exceed four hundred. The squadron con- 
sists of the Leandeiy 16 guns, Lily, twenty 






109 

four, Express, twelve, Attentive, fourteen^ 
Provost, ten; Bull-dog, Dispatch, Mastiff, gun 
boats of two and three guns ; Trimmer and 
Commodore Barry, unarmed merchantmen. 

The general with his suite, &c. sails in the 
Lily. He has taken another secretary, called 
private secretary, by name Fitzwilliam, who 
is said to be a man of talents and information. 

There are but few who know to what port 
we are destined, or I suppose will know till we 
are near it. I shall probably write no more till 
there is some crisis in our affairs. 



LETTER XVII. 

Landing on the main. — Result. 

Leander at sea, August 1st, 1806. 
WE are again disappointed and confound- 
ed. The dream called an expedition has van- 
ished ; all our anxiety, trouble and enterprise 
have come to nothing ; our big expectations 
and lofty hopes have fallen to the ground. We 
have visited the Spanish Main, had possession 
of La Vela de Coro, the city of Coro, and other 
places; all of which we have just evacuated. 



110 



to 



The Spaniards would have nothing to say to 
us. They had no thoughts of accepting our 
proffer of liberty ; and we could not oblige 
them to take it. Miranda, so long the idol of 
his foolish followers, is not known by them. 
They wondered who he was ; and what brought 
him in such guise into their country. They 
viewed him as a marauder whom they were to 
fly from, or destroy, instead of a deliverer to be 
made welcome. There was no sign of any 
partisans of his in force or likely to be so ; and 
not a shadow of probability that any one of the 
leading officers of government civil or military 
had thought or would think of adopting his 
plans or joining his standard. Having left the 
country, we are going — I know not whither — 
but wherever the prince of visionary schemers 
chooses to say. You will imagine my disgust 
and mortification ; perhaps repentance. For 
I assure you, it is not without compunction 
that I reflect how we have terrified and harrass- 
ed the unoffending people of this region, as the 
event has proved, without sufficient pretence, 
and to no good purpose. I should pity our fa- 
natical leader more than all, but he has an ad- 
mirable constitution for bearing mortifications. 
His blunders do by no means put him out of 



Ill 



countenance. I dare say he will soon talk of 
beginning again without any confusion of face. 
Indeed he has reason to believe he may go any 
length in amusing our expectations, considering 
how fond of being deceived we have appeared. 
It is said we are going to the island of Aruba. 
Under the next date, you shall have the history 
of our recent performances and mishaps. 



LETTER XVIII. 

At Aruba. — Events after leaving Trinidad. — *■ 
Army disembark. — Gain Le Vela de Coro. — 
March to Coro. — Disaster at that place. — 
Return, and evacuation of the Main. 

Aruba, August \5th, 180&. 
WE anchored at this place yesterday ; and 
I now proceed to the relation of what has hap- 
pened from the time of leaving Trinidad- 

On the 23d and 24th of Julv, all the officers 
and men belonging to the Columbian Army 
embarked on board the vessels mentioned be- 
fore. The Sunday following passing by the 
island of Margdritta — the people forsook the 
church, and manning the batteries of the place 



112 

discharged several shots at our squadron with- 
out injury. We anchored and went ashore at 
the island of Coche where we remained one 
night. Atday light on the 2d of August through 
a mistake of the pilot we anchored within nine 
miles of La Vela de Coro on the west side of 
the bay, instead of anchoring within reach of 
the batteries as was intended. 

Pursuant to the following general order* the 



* The right hand cypher in the following estimate of 
numbers was added to deceive the enemy> in case they 
■should ever see the order. Our force is what remains 
when the cypher is cut off. viz. Two hundred and ninety one. 
On board of the Lily, August 1st. 1806. 
" G. O." <c As it is intended that the army shall dis* 
embark in the course of this night, the following order is to 
be attended to 

1st division under the command of col. Compte de Rouv- 
ray, Hulans, 350 

Guides with captain Sanchez and Cayetana, 150 

Detatchment of the royal Navy under Lieutenant Bed- 
dingfield, 810 

Trinidad volunteers under colonel Downie, 320 

Spaniards and Indians in the gun-boats, 300 

2d division under the command of lieut. col. Kirkland, 
1st regiment of North American volunteers, 660 

Engineers under captain Allison, 100 

Artillery under captain Lowdon," 270 



113 

first division under the command of col. count 
de Rouvray, disembarked from the squadron 
in the boats, with a view to effect an immedi- 
ate landing ; but a gale of wind set in nearly 
as soon as all the necessary preparations were 
made ; and obliged the row boats and barges 
to be taken in tow by the gun boats, in which 
situation they remained the whole day, unable 



i( Captain Campbell of his majesty's ship Lily will give 
the nectssary orders for the distribution of the boats ; and 
the commanding officer of each detachment will take care 
that a proper proportion of officers is sent in each boat. 

This order of debarkation, was accompanied by the fol- 
lowing instructions ; 

" G. O."" Parole, Columbia. Countersign, Victory. 
" Order of Attack % 

" As soon as the first division, under the command of 
col. Compte de Rouvray, has disembarked a suffcient num- 
ber of troops, he will attack the battery of the punta, in 
conjunction with the detachment from the navy. Having 
carried that, he will leave it in possession of a detachment 
of the navy ; and then proceed with the rest of the troops 
and take possession of the custom house and enemy's ar- 
tillery near it, where he will leave the remainder of the na- 
val detachment ; and then proceed on the road leading to 
the town of Coro, where he will halt until informed of the 
landing of the 2d division. 

" After receiving this information, he will proceed and- 

L 2 



114 

to gain the point of attack on account of the 
roughness of the sea and the violence of the 
wind. The principal part of the second divi- 
sion, under Kirkland were at this time on board 
the Leander, as the boats of the squadron were 
not sufficient to disembark both divisions at 
once. This occasioned a transfer of his troops 
to his majesty's ship Bacchante (captain Da- 



take possession of the town of Coro, on the supposition that 
he will be supported by the 2d division. 

" The naval detachment, charged with the care of the 
battery and town of Vela de Coro, will take care to send 
piquets on the roads leading into town, with orders not to 
allow any person to go out without a pass from the com- 
manding officer; and any person coming in, to be strictly 
examined and acknowledged as a friend. 

" A piquet of Indians under the command of capt Leon, 
is to be posted on the road leading to Paraquana. Every 
species of plundering, is in the most positive terms pro- 
hibited ; and the general expects that every person com- 
posing this army, will conduct himself to all such of the 
inhabitants as appear friendly, in such a manner, as will 
conciliate their affections ; and only treat as enemies all 
such as appear in arms, and make resistance. 

" The proclamation and pamphlets attached to them to 
be placed and distributed in every conspicuous place ; by 
the commanding officers of the different detachments, a- 
greeable to the ninth article of the same, AH reports to be 



115 

cres) where they remained until day light the 
next morning. The bacchante got under 
weigh and beat up nearly abreast the strongest 
fort of La Vela de Coro during the night ; the 
brigs Attentive and Express and the gun boats 
also stationed themselves within point blank 
shot of the same place. 

On the morning of the 3d, the first divi- 
sion landed and were soon followed by the se- 
cond, which would have arrived at the same 
time, had not the want of boats rendered it im- 
possible. Whilst the troops were advancing 



forwarded to the head quarters of the army at La Vela de 
Com. As it will in the course of a day or two, be easy 
to get any thing that may be wanted from on board the 
fleet, no baggage of any kind is to be carried on shore at 
the time of embarkation. Each man may carry on shore 
with him two or three biscuits. 

" Lt. col. Roorbach is to join the detachment under the 
command of lt. col. Kirkland, and to duty with it until fur- 
ther orders. 

(Signed) \VM. ARMSTRONG, 

Q. M. General. 

*** This order of attack, is to be executed, as nigh as 
possible, conformable to the preceding mode laid down ; 
should circumstances oblige any officer to deviate from it, 
he is to do it ; with the utmost circumspection and caution." 



116 

in the boats, they were covered by a warm fire 
from the armed vessels of our squadron a- 
gainst the forts, which the latter promptly re- 
turned, but without effecting any considerable 
injury. As they approached the land, the 
Spaniards began a smart, though ill directed 
fire of musketry from the bushes, which lined 
the whole extent of the beach. As the troops 
leaped from the boats, the Spaniards re- 
treated farther into the bushes, where they 
were closely pursued by a party of our men, 
with whom, for a few moments, they maintain- 
ed a scattering fire. While this party engag- 
ed these fugitives, who soon dispersed, another 
party pressed on to the nearest fort, which stands 
upon the margin of the bay. This was entered 
by the hulans and marines, sword in hand, 
the Spaniards leaping the walls on the opposite 
side and flying in all directions. The guns of 
of this fortification, on its coming into our pos- 
session, were immediately pointed against the 
town, custom house and magazine, distant 
about a quarter of a mile, where the main body 
of the Spanish force was stationed with nine 
or ten pieces of artillery (4 and 6 pounders.) 
They were, however, soon compelled to re- 
treat, and in such precipitation and confusion, 



117 

that they spiked but few of their cannon, and 
even left two of them loaded. So far we had 
none killed and only three wounded, one of 
which only is considered in danger. 

Thus, on the third day of August, the ris- 
ing sun witnessed a display of the Columbian 
colours on the staff, which the Spanish royal 
standard had so long occupied. The inhabi- 
tants of all descriptions had fled principally the 
day before, taking with them the greater part 
of their moveables. Our delay of the attack, 
in consequence of anchoring in the wrong 
place, gave them time. Flags of truce, with 
messages of peace, and assurances of protec* 
tion both to person and property were imme- 
diately dispatched about the town and its in- 
virons, soliciting the fugitive inhabitants to re- 
turn to their homes ; but either through the 
order of government, or affright, some old wo- 
men only and a few men. could be induced to 
accept the invitation. 

General Miranda reached the shore at half 
past eleven, A. M. His arrival was retarded 
by the circumstance of the Lily having an- 
chored nine miles to leeward of the town, 
which prevented both her and the Leander 
from sharing in the attack. Between nine and 



118 

ten at night, our force headed by the general 
began to march for the town of Coro, which 
lies about twelve miles to the westward of La 
Vela ; and arrived there an hour before day- 
dawn on the fourth. The march w as conduct- 
ed with so much order and silence, that the 
footsteps of the troops were scarcely heard. 
The morning was unusually serene and pleas- 
ant. A most solemn, or rather dreadful still- 
ness pervaded the whole place. The city as 
we soon found, was entirely evacuated except 
by a few women, superannuated devotees, 
and perhaps a small body of armed men, left 
to guard the jail ; for it remains in some 
doubt, whether there was this force. If they 
were there, they escaped, for we took no pri- 
soners under arms. Having passed through 
several streets we arrived at the publick square. 
On one side of this square, in front of the 
troops as they marched in, are the jail and 
council house ; opposite to these is a large 
church. The other sides are occupied by 
publick buildings of different descriptions. 
When the head of the column entered the pub- 
lic square, general Miranda, preceding the 
right of the first division, attended by some of 
his principal officers advanced to the grand 



119 

avenue leading to the jail and council house. 
In the mean time the second division had 
chiefly gained the opposite side, and were 
forming in front of the church. At this mo- 
ment a tumultuous and disorderly fire com- 
menced from the first division. ^iost of the of- 
ficers assert that some guns were first discharg- 
ed from the windows of the jail, but in this they 
are not unanimous. It is admitted by ail that 
the hulans, maiines, aid Tiii-icic infantry 
(under Downie) who were in adyanct; of 
the other troops and by this time, at halt, near 
the prison, fired, not only towards the prison ; 
but also on the infantry and artillery who were 
posted behind them, before and near the church* 
The latter presumed they could receive such 
a salutation from none but Spaniards, and took 
the firing for a commencement of the enemy's 
attack, imagining that the jail was a barrack, 
for which, in the dark it might be mistaken, 
and that the enemy was assaulting them from 
within and behind this building. Without 
waiting for orders, upon perceiving the fire 
form that quarter, the infantry returned it with 
vigor. The clamour of fifty voices was in- 
stantly raised, commanding the men to cease 
firing. This clamour, with the cries of the 



120 

wounded, the flight of the Indians, who hsd 
joined us at La Vela de Coro ; the breaking 
of ranks, &c. made a scene of confusion and 
tumult not to be described After a few min- 
-utes the firing was silenced ; but not until 
col. Kirkland, (whose utmost exertions to 
prevent this confusion, from extending to his 
division had proved ineffectual) the general's 
private secretary and five men were wounded 
and one man was killed. No one seems able 
to give a satisfactory account of this miserable 
affair. It appears in the garb of a shameful 
and sorrowful blunder of some body ; but the 
responsibility cannot he charged upon any 
particular individual.- The general and the 
officers under whose eye the firing began, give 
no account of the matter, as far as I can learn, 
either, because they cannot, or will not ex- 
plain it. Indeed they observe a silence upon 
the subject that seems almost studied. One 
solution is. that there was a small guard of 
Spaniards, who discharged their muskets upon 
us from the jail windows ; and that thehulans 
and marines, upon the report of these pieces, 
through agitation and surprise, fired in differ- 
ent directions. But the jailer steadfastly deni- 
ed that he had any guard. If there was 



121 

one it escaped, for, as it has been already 
observed no Spanish soldiers fell into our 
hands. * The other explanation is more pro- 
bable. Many of the men in the advanced 
guard assert that they were ordered to fire by 
Miranda. They say that the general, exulting 
in his easy possession of the city, wished to 
regale his ears with the military sound of ^ 
Jeu de joie ; and consequently ordered the men 
nearest him to commence the musick. Our 
troops, being composed of men of various na- 
tions and languages, the command was not 
perfectly understood by all. Hence some, 
thinking the firing was intended to be serious, 
and not sportive, discharged in a horizontal 
direction, aimiug at those, who might be their 
enemies, whilst those who comprehended the 
order, pointed their guns in the air. 

When Miranda appeared before the prison 
gate, it was opened to him. He entered un- 
armed, and received the keys from the keeper, 
who, at the same time informed him, that the 



* The opinion that the firing- began with one of our 
men shooting down another, said to be at the prison door, 
is certainly incorrect. The first report was of many pieces, 
not a single one. 

M 



122 

constituted authorities had obliged all the in- 
habitants to abandon the town. Upon this, 
while standing in the jail entry, he proclaimed 
to the jailor, his attendants and the prisoners 
that they were free, the latter shouted vive 
Miranda ! at the same moment it is said the 
general directed the troops near him to let off 
the feu dejoie that proved so unseasonable and 
so fatal. 

Agreeably to this proclamation of liberty, all 
the debtors were immediately liberated from 
their confinement. The criminals, who had 
considered themselves included in the annun- 
ciation of freedom, wished to know why their 
fetters were not taken off, and their doors un- 
bolted. Miranda replied, that he came not to 
break but to maintain their laws under a more 
equitable and rational government : this answer 
no doubt unexpected, was more just than sat- 
isfactory to the felons. 

Col. Kirkland received two musket balls 
through the left thigh ,j ust below the femoral arte- 
ry, at the instant he was forming his division in 
front of the jail. The misfortune of this gallant 
officer was lamented by the army in general ; and 
especially by the troops under his immediate 
command, who regard him with the highest con* 
fidence and affection, and would follow him into 



12$ 

any peril. Much was expected from his ac- 
tivity and military talents in the late critical 
posture of our affairs. The wound, which he 
bore with fortitude and cheerfulness, is dan- 
gerous, though we hope not mortal. Mr. Fitz- 
william was wounded in the arm near the 
shoulder, and though in great pain will probably 
recover. The man killed was a black, born 
in New-York, who had been cook of the ship. 
This unfortunate fellow, was with difficulty per- 
suaded to engage in the land service ; he pre- 
dicted his fate, by saying as he left the ship "I 
know I shall get killed if I go." 

We remained five days in the city of Coro. 
In this interval, the same means that had been 
used at La Vela, to bring in the inhabitants 
were again employed ; but with as little suc- 
cess. The people had been compelled to 
abandon their homes by the positive orders of 
the commandant, who threatened to make se- 
vere examples of those who remained behind, 
if they ever fell into his hands again. The 
priests too instructed the inhabitants of this 
province, that it had been invaded by a band 
of lawless hereticks and infidels, who came not 
only to rob them of their property, but also to 
deprive their souls of salvation, by spreading 



124 

damnable tenets and principles among the fa- 
vorites of the Holy Virgin. Whilst remaining 
here, we frequently beat to arms upon an a- 
larm of an approaching enemy, and marched 
out with our artillery among the prickly pears 
and bushes which surrounded the place ; but 
returned as safe as we went out. 

On the night of the 9th we took up our 
march, it being reported that we were going* 
to attack Bona Vista ; and in the morning 
found ourselves again in La Vela de Coro. In 
the preceding operations, the forts were first 
attacked by less than ninety men; and we 
were only two hundred and sixty four strong, 
all included, when we entered the city 
of Coro. From the best information we 
could get, the number of Spanish force at Ve- 
la de Coro at the time of our attack was from 
five to six hundred, and about fifteen pieces 
of ordinance were on the several batteries. 
The vigour of our assault in some measure 
confounded the enemy. Our fatigue prevent- 
ed any pursuit ; and consequently we obtained 
no prisoners. 

The following is a translation of the procla- 
mation alluded to in the general order of de- 
barkation. 



125 

PROCLAMATION. 

Don Francisco de Miranda, commander in 
chief of the army of Columbia, to the inhabi- 
tants of Columbian America : — Brave coun- 
trymen and friends — obedient to your wishes,, 
and to the repeated requests and calls of the 
country, to whose service we have cheerfully 
consecrated the greater part of our lives ; we 
have disembarked in this province of Caraccas. 
The opportunity and time appear to us highly 
favourable for the completion of our designs ; 
and all persons composing this army are your 
friends or countrvmen ; all resolved to sacrifice 
their lives, if necessary, for your liberty and 
independence ; under the auspices and protec- 
tion of the British navv. With these auxilia- 

• 

ries, we can safely say, that the day will come, 
when our America, recovering her sovereign 
independence, her sons will be able freely to 
shew to the universe their exalted spirit. The 
oppressive, unfeeling government, which has 
obscured our finer qualities, and blackened 
with calumnies our deference and character, 
managed also to maintain her abominable sys- 
tem of administration for three successive cen- 
turies ; but was never able to eradicate from 

our hearts those moral and civil virtues, which 

U2 



126 

ff holy religion and a regular code of laws in- 
corporated with our customs, and led to an 
honest and natural course of action. Let us 
be worthy then of those admirable qualities, 
that the mean and odious agents of the court of 
Madrid being expelled, we may be able quiet- 
ly to establish the civil order necessary to the 
completion of so honourable an undertaking. 
The recovery of our rights as citizens, and of 
our national glory as Columbian Americans r 
will be among the least benefits we shall de- 
rive from that so just and necessary determina- 
tion. The innocent Indians and all other men 
will consider us all as brother citizens, and 
that precedency belongs only to merit and vir* 
tue ; in which belief they will primarily obtain, 
most certainly military and civil recompenses, 
the reward of merit alone. If the Dutch and 
Portuguese were able in former times, to throw 
off the yoke of Spanish oppression ; if the 
Swiss, and North Americans, our neighbours, 
have equally succeeded to establish their liber- 
ty and independence, with the general applause 
of the world, and to the benefit of their inhabi- 
tants, when each of them, separately, scarcely 
contained two or three millions of people;, 
why then shall we, who are at least sixteen mil- 



127 

lions, not be able as easily to extricate our- 
selves ? Possessing besides over and above 
these considerations, the most fertile, inex- 
haustible and rich continent in the known 
world ! The fact is, it depends solely upon our 
own will ; and that will, progressing to our in- 
dependence, union must assure to us perma- 
nent and perpetual happiness. The Divine 
Providence ordains it, to alleviate the miseries 
of our unhappy countrymen and for the pro- 
tection and benefit of the whole human species. 
Those people who are timorous, or less in- 
structed, and who wish to inform themselves 
of the ground work, of the justice and equity 
which these proceedings require ; johred to the 
historical truths that prove the inconceivable 
ingratitude, unheard of cruelties, and atrocious 
persecutions of the Spanish government to- 
wards the innocent and unhappy inhabitants of 
the new world, almost from the moment of its 
discovery > will read the subjoined address of 
Don Juan Viscardo, of the order of Jesus, di- 
rected to his countrymen, and they will find in 
it irrefragable proofs and solid arguments in fa- 
vour of our cause, dictated by a holy man, at a 
time when he was about taking his leave of 
this world, to appear before the Creator of the 



universe. To carry this plan into its due effect, 
with security and success, the citizens will be 
obliged, without distinction of classes or sta- 
tion (ecclesiastics only excepted, in the parts 
where they may be appointed) to conform 
themselves strictly to the following articles : 
viz. 

I. Every person, military, judicial, civil or 
ecclesiastic, who exercises any authority grant- 
ed by the court of Madrid, shall suspend, pro 
facto, their functions, and those, who continue 
after the present publication, as well as those 
who obey such persons shall be severely pun* 
ished. 

II. The ecclesiastical courts and the courts 
of justice, in all cities, towns and places, shall 
exercise, ad interim, all the functions of go* 
vernment, civil, administrative and judicial, 
with personal responsibility, and regulated by 
the laws of the country ; and the curates of 
parishes and missionaries, shall remain in their 
respective churches and parishes without al- 
tering the exercise of their sacred functions* 

.III. All the ecclesiastical courts and the 
courts of justice, shall send one or two depu- 
ties to the head quarters of the army, in order 
that they may unite themselves into a general 



129 

assembly on our arrival in the capital ; and to 
form there a provincial government, which may 
lead in due time to another government general 
and permanent, with the consent of the whole 
nation. 

IV. Every citizen from the age of sixteen 
to fifty five shall repair without fail to the army, 
bringing with him such arms as he may be 
able to procure ; and if they have none, they 
shall receive them from the military depots of 
the army. 

V. The citizen who may have the baseness 
to make common cause with the agents of the 
Spanish government ; or who may be found 
with arms, encamped in any garrison, or place 
of strength for the said government, shall bo 
treated as a traitor to his country. If any 
persons actually in the service of Spain, shall 
be so pusillanimous as to believe that they arc 
in honour bound to serve against the independ* 
ence of their countrymen, they shall be forevef 
banished from the country. 

VI. On the contrary, all those who are ex„ 
ercising any military, civil >or whatever other 
employments, who join wiih promptitude the 
standard of the country shall receive honours 
and employments proportioned to the zeal and 



13® 

love of their country, which they shall have 
manifested in such an important conjuncture. 
Soldiers and sailors, shall be equally rewarded, 
according to their capacity and zeal. 

VII. The treasurers of the publick money 
shall immediately deposit the same with the 
administrators, civil and ecclesiastick,who shall 
nominate persons capable of managing the 
same, and for the supply of the Columbian ar- 
my, with whatever may be necessary to its 
maintenance and operations ; not only in mo- 
ney, but also provisions, clothing, vegetables, 
carriages, horses and mules. 

VIII. In order to prevent any kind of in- 
sult or aggression on the part of the soldiers or 
advanced posts of the army ; the magistrates 
and parish priests of the cities, towns and vil- 
lages (under their personal responsibility) shall 
cause the colours or ensign of the national in- 
dependence to be fixed on the highest and 
most conspicuous parts of the churches ; and 
the citizens shall also wear in their hats, the 
cockade which denotes them to be friends to 
our just cause ; for without these they would 
not be respected and protected as brothers. 

IX. This proclamation shall be fixed by the 
priest and magistrates on the doors of the pa- 



131 

rish churches and all publick buildings, in or- 
der that it may be speedily notified to all the 
inhabitants. They shall also read in the 
churches and all the civil courts, once a day at 
least, the pamphlet formerly mentioned, writ- 
ten by J. Viscardo, which accompanies this 
edict. 

X. Whoever shall hinder, retard or neglect 
the observance of the nine preceding articles, 
shall be considered a publick offender, and 
punished immediately with exemplary severi- 
ty. The publick good is the supreme law. 
Done at Head Quarters Mt 

Cora, 3d of August , 1806. 
(Signed) 

FRAN : DE MIRANDA. 
Thomas Molini, Secretary. 

The pamphlet alluded to, was in Spanish, 
written twelve years ago, answering to the 
character given to it in the proclamation. It 
was designed to enlighten the people and to in- 
spire them with a hatred of kings and love of 
liberty. It attempts to show how 7 happy other 
countries were in self-government and how 
easily the South Americans might possess 
themselves of this same blessing. 



132 

LETTER XIX. 

Other events previous to the evacuation of the 
Main. — Col. Hallos embarrassment. — Threat 
of M. concerning his wounded men. — Capt. 
jfohnso?i J s misfortune. 

Aruba, August llth, 1806. 
IMMEDIATELY on our return to La 
Vela de Coro, I learned what had happened 
there during our absence. No advices were 
sent to the comaianding officer of La Vela, 1 to 
acquaint him and the squadron of our having 
taken possession of the city, or apprise him of 
our situation. They were four days in a state 
of anxious suspense, w ithout hearing a sylla- 
ble of our fate. At the same time they were 
in constant apprehension of an attack from the 
Spaniards who were assembled in large bodies 
within a short distance of the town. Whether 
this neglect in Miranda, so vexatious to the 
detachment left in the rear be military or not, 
let military men decide. 

Col Hall, who commanded at La Vela, 
grew impatient to hear from the army which 
had gone to Coro and to put an end to his 



133 



doubts, was at last, obliged to send a messen- 
ger to his excellency. It was with the greatest 
difficulty, and not without ample pecuniary 
promises, that a native could be found who 
would undertake the office. For some strange 
reason Miranda detained this messenger so 
long after he was prepared to return with an 
answer to col. Hall, that the latter, with the 
remnant of our troops guarding La Vela, con- 
cluded that we were all taken prisoners, or had 
been put to the sword by the Spaniards. Un- 
der this impression, col, Hall thought it ex- 
pedient, for the time being, to plant several 
pieces of cannon round the house in which he 
resided ; and took the precaution of having 
boats in waiting on shore every night, to carry 
himself and the guard consisting of twenty 
five men, off to the squadron, in case they should 
be under the necessity of flying- 
Col. Hall, who had it in charge from Miran- 
da, to entice his countrymen back to their 
homes, finding his personal efforts ineffectual, 
addressed the following letter to the priect of 
that district, in hopes, by gaining the pastor to 
gain his flock. 

" Reverend Father , 

11 I take tire liberty to enclose vou one of 

N 



134 

general Miranda's proclamations and pamphlets, 
and to inform you, that I intended myself the 
honor of waiting on you tomorrow, to request 
that you will be so good as to come into town 
on Sunday next to celebrate mass. You may 
rely on the assurance of not being disturbed 
in any manner in the exercise of your holy 
functions. In the interval, I beg God to grant 
you long life and health. I kiss your hands. 55 
This letter was written in Spanish, by lieut. 
Adrien, the colonel's secretary. The day af- 
ter it was delivered, this officer accompanied 
by It, Spearing and dr. Davie, both of the Brit- 
ish navy, waited on the curate. He replied in 
answer to the letter, that he could not officiate 
out of the dibtrict to which he belonged ; but 
liis conduct and manners, proved that this was 
only an excuse. He was surrounded by a 
multitude of people, who testified no incon- 
siderable alarm at the presence of our ambas* 
sadors ; and hovered under the wings of his 
reverence, as their only safeguard from hereti- 
cal contamination. The truth was, that the 
priest wished to have no communication with 
any of Miranda's followers ; he knew, if he 
came into town, that he should be followed by 



135 

his flock ; and he therefore declined the invita- 
tion, with a plausible excuse, lest the people 
should attach themselves to Miranda when 
they had more thoroughly discovered his in- 
tentions with respect to their country. It is 
very evident from this, and other circumstan- 
ces, that the inhabitants of this country will 
never listen to the proposals of our command- 
er in chief, unless they are led on and counte- 
nanced by their priests ; and without the con- 
currence of the priests his cause could not suc- 
ceed. These ecclesiastics have too much wis- 
dom to give up a certainty for an uncertainty ; 
to espouse an adventurer and revolutionist 
against the reigning government, which pro- 
tects their endowments and immunities, and 
builds up their influence ; and they have pro- 
bably as a body too much loyalty of feeling 
and principle to be seduced by ordinary pros- 
pects into a renunciation of their allegiance. 

Aruba y August 20th 18O6. — Before we pro- 
ceed to speak of our situation *nd prospects, I 
will finish the narrative of events previous to 
our final evacuation of the Main, which took 
place on the night of the 13th of this month. 
Before we occupied La Vela de Coro it was 
understood that col. Hall was to be command- 



136 

ant of that place, when it should come into our 
possession ; but it was not officially known 
until the following general order* informed us 
of the colonel's promotion* 

On our march from the city of Coro, our chief 
exhibited conduct that left a strong impression 
of his inhumanity upon our minds. Desperate 
ends require desperate means. Shall the maker 



"La Vela, 10th dugust, 1806, 

" G. O. Parole . ■ ■ ■, Countersign ,- 

Col, William Gage Hall, was on taking possession of this 
place, appointed commandant, but owing to the movement 
of the troops, could not before this, be put in orders. He, 
is now to be respected as such, and all rules and regula- 
tions made by him, for the interiour economy of the garri- 
son are to be strictly obeyed and respected." 

The conclusion of this order will appear to you sufficient- 
ly pompous when you recollect that it was addressed to no 
more than about thirty officers, and less than three hun* 
dred men ; who composed a mixture of every age, shapc> 
condition, size and language. 

si A gun will fire, as usual at day light, when the reve- 
ille is to beat, bugle to sound, and colours to be hoisted. 
Troop to beat at eight o'clock, when the regiments and 
corps are to parade ; arms to be examined and guards to 
mount. An evening gun will fire at sunset, when the 
troops are to parade ; piquets and the field officer of the 
day to commence duty/' 



137 

of a revolution and the deliverer of a country, 
restrict himself to the rules, or yield to the visit- 
ings of humanity ? Be assured such an enter- 
prise supposes in him who conducts it, a sin- 
gleness of view that can sacrifice the right to 
the expedient, and the parts to the whole. The 
wounded of our troops were carried in litters 
upon the shoulders of the men, and much they 
suffered in mind and body in this dreary and 
fearful march. Owing to the weight of the lit- 
ters and the offensiveness of the wounds of 
some of the persons in them, the soldiers and 
sailors who were willing to do their utmost to 
help convey off their distressed companions, 
but who were weakened by fatigue and hun- 
ger, could not support their burden for any 
length of time, and were obliged frequently to 
stop and change. Whenever this took place, 
Miranda flew into a violent rage ; pretending 
it was an unnecessary delay. At length, he de- 
clared that if the wounded retarded the march 
of the column, they should be put aside and 
left on the road ! This he said in hearing of the 
wounded, who expected the barbarous threat 
would be executed, and they should be left to 
perish without assistance, or to be cut in pie- 
ces by the Spaniards. One of the men at* 
N 2 



138 

teched to a litter, conveying an officer, declar- 
ing that he was so much spent he could go no 
farther unless he was relieved ; the general said 
to the soldier — go on sir, I know what you can 
do — then turning to the officer, directing the or- 
der of march, u suffer no complaint — shoot that 
man through the body — give me a pistol here 
let me doit" — This officer, It* coL Roorbach in a 
very spirited and becoming manner remonstrat- 
ed with Miranda upon this conduct ; endeav? 
oured to check the torrent of curses he was 
venting against the men ; and begged him to 
have some consideration for the wounded and 
those who carried them. The moment the 
general threatened to leave the wounded on the 
road, an officer went to the rear of the column 
and informed the captain of Artillery and sev- 
eral of his companions w r hat might take place* 
About twelve in number, determined, if such 
an attempt was made, to protest against it ; if 
that did not produce the desired effect, they 
resolved to resist the order at the point of their 
swords, being assured of the assistance of the 
men under their command, to whom they had 
already stated the barbarity of such a proceed* 
ing ; and who were not less indignant on 
the occasion than their commanders, This 



139 

threat of Miranda is perhaps to be attribut- 
ed to his ungoverned fear of being attacked 
by the Spaniards, and falling alive into their 
hands. This fear he may be supposed to have 
had, and yet not be a coward. I do not deny 
that he would meet the perils of ordinary bat- 
tle with real courage. I am persuaded he 
would rather fall into the hands of his country- 
men dead than alive. Armed horsemen were 
seen hovering upon the flanks and rear of our col- 
umn ; but they never came within reach of 
musketry. Midway between La Vela and the 
city, we forded a river, the banks of which were 
exceedingly steep ; here ail thought it probable 
we should be attacked, and it was near this 
place, that the general made the threat of aban- 
doning his wounded to the mercy of fate. But 
admitting he was not seriously determined to 
do so, the event proved that he had no occasion 
to resort to an expedient of so abominable a 
complexion to hasten the march, as the Span* 
iarcls allowed us to pass the river unmolested* 
They no doubt over-rated our strength, whilst 
Miranda in this instance preferred acting on the 
defensive, as well from an apprehension of .their 
superior force, as to prove the sincerity of his 



14© 

professions of tender regard towards the people 
of South America, 

In the course of the morning before our 
march to the city of Coro, about twenty five 
or thirty Indians were captured. Thy were as 
is customary in this country, armed with bows 
and arrows. They preferred joining our stand- 
ard to being kept as prisoners. As we enter- 
ed the city they formed part of the advanced 
guard ; but the moment the firing took place, 
they fled precipitately ; leaving their bows and 
arrows on the ground. Ic has been reported, 
that when they saw our men firing on each oth- 
er, they supposed it was through animosity ; 
and observed, that if Miranda's men fired at 
each other, they thought their turn would soon 
come ; and therefore, they had better seek safe- 
ty in flight. Whatever might have been the 
motive which drove them off, they took good 
care never to make their appearance afterwards. 

Two days previous to our evacuation, capt. 
Johnson, who commanded the Leander, with 
a party of fifteen men, was taken by the Span- 
iards, which makes nearly eighty men and of- 
ficers, who have at different times, fallen into 
the hands of the enemy. The circumstances 
of this unhappy event are the following : 



141 

The Spaniards had for several days previous 
to that on which Johnson was taken, harrassed 
the watering parties, that were sent from the 
squadron to a river about three or four miles 
distant from the anchorage, and nearly the 
same distance from the batteries and town then 
occupied by the troops* This was the only 
place where a sufficient supply of water could 
be procured ; and the enemy's cavalry were 
always on the look cut, to drive the sailors oft, 
which sometimes happened with the loss o£ 
their water casks. Captain Johnson being in* 
formed of this circumstance, and wanting wa* 
terfor his crew, obtained permission from the 
general to arm as many as could be spared 
from the Leander and set out at day light for 
the river, intending to procure water at all 
risks and to rout the Spaniards, who at that 
post were thought to be but few in number! 
but the night before he put his plan in execu- 
tion, a reinforcement, composed of horsemen^ 
infantry and Indians, in number perhaps two 
hundred and fiftv, had been stationed under cov- 
cr of the numerous sand hills, which formed the 
margin of the stream. The moment Johnson 
landed from his boat and had drawn up his 
men, a part of the enemy rushed upon him 



142 

from their concealment, with a heavy fire of 
arrows and musketry, and soon overpowered 
him and his party. Several were killed on the 
spot, and the survivors after an obstinate re- 
sistance and receiving many wounds were 
made prisoners, excepting one, who reached 
the ship by swimming, and one drowned in a 
similar attempt. This was at the dawn of 
day : the firing being perceived from the Lily, 
a party of thirty men under command of lieut % 
Barclay, were sent to support Johnson ; but 
they were too late, to be of any other service, than 
that of killing and wounding about twenty 
Spaniards. Lieut. Barclay returned to town 
with his party, and gave information of the fate 
of Johnson and his comrades, requesting at 
the same time that a detachment of our soldiers 
might be immediately sent in conjunction with 
his own men to rescue the captives ; however, 
owing to some cause, never explained, proba- 
bly because it would not bear an explanation, 
none of our troops, though they were instantly 
under arms, received orders to march to their 
succour until near eight o'clock, at least two 
hours after the report had reached head quar- 
ters — and it is more than probable, that John- 
son, if taken alive, was with the remnant of his 



143 

men, then on his way to the city of Coro, or al- 
ready there, at which place the Spaniards would 
imprison him until they received orders from 
Caraccas. The reports concerning the real con- 
dition of this ill-fated man, have been various 
and contradictory. Some assert that he was in- 
stantly killed ; others that he was only slightly 
wounded. Again we are told that he was desper- 
ately mangled in the contest, and was carried in 
that situation to prison, where he languished sev- 
eral days in misery and expired. Others again 
tell us that he is still living, and is reserved for 
trial. * It is difficult to know which to believe ; 
but if the last be true, it gives some reason to 
hope that he will not be executed, or even senten- 
ced to death, as he is a British subject, and 
therefore had a right during the war and agree- 
able to the law of nations to engage in any ex- 
pedition against the enemies ol that country. 

Men versed in the science and practice of 
war, will inquire with wonder and astonish- 
ment for the reason, why this spirited officer 
was suffered (or rather not forbidden) to go on 
a watering party, with an inferior force to that 



* The same uncertainty respecting Johnson^ still ex- 
ists. 



144 

which had been already repulsed, without a 
support by land detached from the infantry and 
artillery then in the town. One or two gun 
boats might also have been moored in a situa- 
tion to act with efficiency in covering their land- 
ing. This precautionary measure, strongly en- 
forced by prudence as well as humanity would 
have saved Johnson and his party ; and enabled 
them to have procured the water so much want- 
ed. In addition to these important advan- 
tages, would have followed the dispersion of 
the whole, if not the capture of a large portion 
of the assailants. 

Our astonishment increases when we are in-? 
formed that the troops who volunteered with 
promptitude and cheerfulness to retrieve this dis* 
aster, which ought to have been prevented, were 
not ordered to march till the expiration of two 
hours or more, after the intelligence of John- 
son's fate had been announced by lieutenant 
Barclay. Shall we attribute this omission and 
delay to that want of decision and prospective 
comprehension, so discernible in all the trans- 
actions of Miranda, or to that nonchalance as 
regards the feelings, wants and sufferings of 
others, which constitutes one of the most prom* 
inent features in his character ? 



145' 

Captain Johnson manifested much zeal in 
Miranda's cause ; it even extended to the loan 
of a considerable sum of money. He held the 
general's note at ninety days, as security for 
three thousand dollars ; beside other advances 
and disbursements for the ship which were 
drawn from his purse at Trinidad. 

This paper is in the hands of Johnson's ex- 
ecutor, captain Hancock. Much good may it 
do him, or his heirs, if it is ever recovered ; 
for there is no man more unwilling to pay his 
debts than Miranda, especially those which 
were contracted in consequence of this enter- 
prise. He seems to imagine that it was doing 
a favour to individuals to allow them to make 
him large donations of cash and services, the 
one never to be paid, and the other never to be 
rewarded, unless he succeeded in establishing 
a free republick in South America. 

It is a satisfaction to reflect that the property 
of the inhabitants of La Vela de Coro and the 
city was respected amidst all our wants ; ex- 
cept instances of rapacity in individuals,of a de*, 
scription always to be found in an assemblage 
of men under arms, and the necessaries taken 
for our subsistence. 

The property found in the king's stores, 

O 



146 

being considered as belonging to the free peo- 
ple of South America, was taken in charge fo* 
their benefit, by order of the commander in 
chief. The whole value of this did not ex- 
ceed fifteen hundred dollars, which is to be 
divided among the troops.* What provisions 
we found in the deserted houses, stores and 
gardens of the Spaniards, our hunger obliged 
us to apply to our own use ;— had they chosen 
to stay, it would have been our general's poli- 
cy to pay in proportion to his ability, for what 
we wanted. I presume, their persons and 
property would have been inviolate, at least, 
so far as they had discovered a willingness to 
be free, and to take our visit in good part. 
Though we were thus scrupulous in this re- 
spect, we probably shall not have the reputa- 
tion of our forbearance. It is said, no doubt 
with trurh, that in several instances those in. 
habitants, who first came into the town after our 
evacuation, plundered the houses and stores of 
those who had not yet returned, and gave out 
that we were the robbers. Our care in this re* 



* It consisted chiefly of coarse linens, and furnished one 
shut and pair cf pantaloons to eacii norc- commissioned offi- 
cer and private soldier. 



147 

spect affords almost the only consoling reflec- 
tion, to be gleaned from a review of our works 
on the Spanish Main. As I before observed, 
nearly all the inhabitants, rich and poor, male 
and female, the sick and the old, as well as 
the healthy and young had disappeared, having 
fled to other places and to the woods. What 
a horrid panick must have seized these inoffen- 
sive people, to have driven them to measures 
so extreme ; and what a scene of distress must 
their flight have exhibited. It was not, howev- 
er, in all cases, their own terror that prompted 
them to quit their homes ; but many, who 
would rather have encountered infidels than 
become the companions of wild beasts, were 
coerced to depart by the Spanish government. 
The governor drove the multitude out before 
him like cattle, and would listen to no entreat* 
ies from those who desired to stay. Many doubt, 
less thought, they might as well perish by 
sword as famine ; and that they stood at least 
as good a chance from the clemency of the in* 
vaders as was offered by a retreat into the for. 
ests. My heart is wrung to think of the do- 
mestick misery that must have been occasioned 
by this detestable business, home of it I saw, 
and heard of more ; and have no doubt thexe 



143- 

existed hundreds of instances of extreme suf- 
fering, which we could not know. One morn* 
ing w 7 hilst we were at Coro, a young officer 
informed me, he had accidentally seen a sick 
and helpless old man, who was near dying frorft 
want, having had nothing to eat for the last 
two days, I proposed to take him some of our 
provisions before we dined. We accordingly 
proceeded to his apartment with such suste- 
nance and refreshments as we had. At this un- 
expected relief, his gratitude and joy were more 
than he could express. He uttered short thanks 
in Spanish, for he could speak no English ; 
but his face said a thousand grateful things, 
that no language could convey. By a gentle- 
man who accompanied us, who understood 
Spanish, we learned that the old man's family 
and servant had left him, taking with them all 
the provisions in the house, the moment that 
the firing of our cannon at La Vela was heard. 
He had been long confined by sickness, and 
was only strong enough to sit in bed ; but not 
to reach his crucifix and prayer book, which 
were on the window board some paces from his 
bed side. In this situation he must have ex- 
pired had we not come to his relief. Before 
our departure from Coro, he and other suffer- 



149 

ing inhabitants whom we knew, were sup- 
plied as far as in our power with a stock of pro- 
visions^ serve them till their affrighted friends 
returned. 

Upon taking my departure from the Main, 
it is due to gratitude, that I mention the affect- 
ing kindness of a Roman priest at Coro, to our 
sick and wounded. He discovered a most 
amiable solicitude, both for the comfort of 
their bodies, and the future welfare of their 
souls. Towards col. Kirkland, for whose life 
we entertained serious apprehensions, he exer- 
cised the benevolence of a christian and the 
tenderness of a father. He provided for him 
not -only a comfortable but elegant apartment, 
with several attendants and every necessary 
which his situation required. He is held in the 
most grateful remembrance by that officer. 
When we considered that this eood catholick 
must have regarded us as enemies to his reli- 
gion, his king and country and probably to 
mankind, his benevolence touched our feelings 
with peculiar force and contributed to sharpen 
the regret we could not but feel at the terror 
and distress we occasioned. 

Though we evacuated the place, it was not 

from any apprehension of danger to our persons, 

O 2 



150 

Whilst there we had several alarms ; but none 
I believe, more terrific than the following : 

On the day of our re- embarkation from La 
Vela, intelligence was announced at head quar- 
ters that a corps of Spanish cavalry was advanc- 
ing against us. A detachment of infantry 
with a piece of artillery was put under march 
with a view to prevent their entrance into the 
town. The commander in chief soon followed ; 
near the environs of the village he found the 
lieutenant halted, with a cluster "of bushes in 
front. It was then raining in torrents. Mi- 
randa supposed this time and place proper for 
surprising the enemy, then believed to be ad- 
vancing,by a well directed fire from the ambush. 
The general puffing and fuming as he approach, 
ed, said " why don't you fire lieut ? why don't 
you fire Sir?" " I see nothing to fire at gener- 
al : " replied the lieut. " Fire at those bushes then 
sir," rejoined the general ; " Fire sir and let 
them know we have got guns." The officer 
blazed away according to order. What hav- 
ock was made among the bushes we know not, 
as no return of the killed and wounded has 
^ver been made. The truth is, the Spaniards 
never approached nearer than within three or 
four miles of the town and batteries ; nor was 



151 

there any appearance of their force at elevea 
o'clock the day after, when we weighed an* 
chor, bound to Aruba. 



LETTER XX. 

M. takes possession oj Aruba by proclamation.-* 
Sickness of the men. — Courts Martial. 

Aruba, August 22d, 1806. 
MIRANDA has taken formal possession 
of this island ; and announces it to the consti- 
tuted authorities of the place in the following 
proclamation, which is written in Spanish and 
posted up at all the publick places. 
PROCLAMATION. 
" Inhabitants of Aruba, circumstances force 
us to take possession of your island ; but rest 
assured that your religion and commerce shall 
remain unmolested ; and the execution of your 
laws shall continue in the hands of your pres- 
ent magistrates: conscious that from a virtu- 
ous people like you, nothing is to be appre>. 
hended. Our object is to emancipate a peo- 
ple, who have long suffered under the rod of 
tyranny ; and who have invited us to give them 



152 

a more equitable government. The governor 
of Caraccas, has offered a reward of thirty- 
thousand dollars,for the head of a citizen,whose 
life has been from its earliest period devoted 
to the good of his countrymen ; and who will 
shed the last drop of his blood, in endeavouring 
to effect in South America, what Washington 
has done in the United States ; what Dion 
Pelopidas did in Greece ; and the Prince of 
Orange in Holland ! Ask the wretch by what 
laws human or divine, he is authorized to de- 
stroy me ? except that he wishes to renew in 
these days, the cruelties of the duke of Alba in 
the Netherlands, under Phillip II. and which has 
transmitted his name with infamy to posterity, 
as well as the government .that supported 
him." 

(Signed) MIRANDA. 

(Signed) 

Thomas Molini, Sect. &? Regst. 

Let no one impute a want of modesty to thi^s 
philosophical, cosmopolitan, patriotic perform- 
ance. The assertion that the South Americans 
have invited us to give them a more equitable 
government, is not supported by any evidence, 
which has come to our knowledge. 

Our general professes to expect to w keep 



moving" and accomplish his great design. He 
looks for a considerable reinforcement to be 
sent to this island by the British. Then he 
means to try another descent on the Main. 
Whether either of these events will take place 
under the auspices of our chief, is now a mat- 
ter of serious doubt in the minds of the intel- 
ligent part of his followers ; and in my opinion, 
in his ov/n mind too, though he does not think 
proper to own it at this moment. The Brit- 
ish officers employed in the expedition, I am 
persuaded think it hopeless, at least, under the 
conduct of our leader, and are heartily tired of 
such a bagatelle service. In pursuance how- 
ever of his original plan, the general, on the 
9th, sent an officer with dispatches to the 
governor of Jamaica, and to admiral Dacres, 
the purport of which was to inform them of 
our partial success on the Main ; and to so- 
licit a sufficient number of troops to enable him 
to regain the country and to keep possession 
of it, till he can collect a force among the inhab- 
itants, to march to the interiour to stronger 
holds and more important places, than La Vela, 
or Coro. — Whether the messenger is the best, 
which might have been selected, is not for me to 
determine. But there is no reason to think that 



154 

if the errand veas done ever so well, it would 
issue in success. There are few British troops 
in the West Indies ; and after what has taken 
place, none to spare for general Miranda it is 
pretty certain. 

The Bacchante sloop of war has arrived here 
since we anchored ; but has no orders to join us* 

The commander of this ship is entitled to the 
warmest thanks of our second division, for his 
attention and kindness to them during the af- 
ternoon and night they were on board of his 
vessel. The officers, in particular, are under 
great obligations to him for his civility and 
politeness to them, on that occasion. His ship 
was in the highest order imaginable, and ex, 
tremely commodious ; he is an exceilnet seaman 
and manages her in a masterly manner, with a 
crew under the most complete discipline. You 
will be surprised in hearing that captain Da- 
cres, her commander, is but eighteen years of 
age. He is a son of the admiral of that name, 
and is not only the pride of his father, but 
will, if he lives, one day be a shining orna* 
ment in the British navy. 

Our troops have been kept together in a 
camp formed on the sandy beach of this bar- 
ren island^ where they are exercised morning 



I5S 

and evening, under the command of an officer 
as little qualified by head or heart, to exercise 
authority over human beings, as you can imag- 
ine ; but whom obsequiousness and deference 
have made very acceptable to the commander 
in chief. 

It is not enough, that the poor slaves, called 
volunteers, are neither clothed, fed nor p.ad, 
and exhausted with the fatigues of our late cam- 
paign ; they must also be subjected to the 
strict regulations^ and rigid discipline required 
in an army in the tield ; and all this adminis- 
tered by a man whom they heartily dislike, 
and who has as little consideration for the feel, 
ings of Ivs fellows, as any man whom God ever 
suffered to be dressed in authority. But " pa- 
tience and fortitude are the virtues of sol- 
diers ;" and in so good a cause, and in the ser- 
vice of the renowned Miranda, who shall not 
be happy to bear privations ? 

The goats of the island are laid under con- 
tribution for our use. The rank flebh of these 
animals, loathsome beyond description, with 
half a ration of bread, and a little sour wine, 
Constitutes all our sustenance. 

Distressing sickness has spread nmong the 
troops — For the two nights and the day in** 



156 

mediately before our evacuation of La Vela de 
Coro, there was a continual and excessive 
rain ; to which our men were exposed. Af- 
ter getting on board, they were obliged in 
general to keep on their wet clothes, for want 
of changes of garments. This circumstance, 
joined to their previous fatigues and to the 
want of comforts on their arrival here, brought 
on an inflammatory fever, which has ra- 
ged with great violenee, and proved fatal to 
several, though not to so many as might be ex- 
pected. About forty men and eight or ten 
officers have been confined in miserable hovels, 
called hospitals, under every circumstance 
of distress and poverty. Our diet is bad 
enough to make the well sick, and to the 
sick it is insupportable. Besides, our poor 
invalids have little or no attendance. Many 
of them are without shirts to their backs, or 
any other sufficient clothing, and without beds, 
stretched on the floor. Miranda views all 
this suffering of his followers w r ith a peculiar 
sang froid. It is worthy of a philosopher no 
doubt to bear the calamities of others with re- 
signation. It becomes the firmness of a great 
captain not to be too much affected with 
those hardships of his soldiers, which he 



157 

is unable to remedy or alleviate ; but in this 
case the condolence of the chief would do the 
wretches some good ; and if he chose, he 
might one would think, see them provided 
with more comforts. Instead of visiting the 
hospitals, or interesting himself in their man- 
agement, he sits the whole day at his quarters, 
the best house in town for good living and con- 
venience, picking his teeth in silence ; or talk- 
ing to some of his staff, who, with a few ex- 
ceptions, are as negligent and unconcerned as 
himself. Among the exceptions is the gener- 
al's aid de camp, Mr. Smith, who does all in 
his power to alleviate the condition of the in- 
valids. 

Sept. 20th. For want of something else to do, 
or to gratify the piques of the chief, rather than 
from any serious occasion or just pretence, sev- 
eral courts martial have been instituted in form ; 
several officers arrested, and one tried and sen- 
tenced to the cruel punishment of being dis- 
missed from this honourable and inviting ser- 
vice. It may afford you some amusement as 
well as enlighten you on the nature of our so-, 
cial compact to see a history of these mock 
tribunals in their chronological order. The 
first was created at Port of Spain, in July, with 



the same formality, as if we had been an ac- 
knowledged army ; as you will perceive by 
the following general order, 

44 Leander, \9th July, 1806. 
u G. O." A general court martial, con- 
sisting of one field officer and four captains to 
assemble on Monday morning, at 10 o'clock, 
on board of this ship, for the trial of such pri- 
soners as shall be brought before them. 
Major SANDS* President. 
Capt. Loui>on,1 

Capt. Ledlie, • __ y 
_, * )> Members. 

Capt Allison, 

Capt. Rankin, 

Lieut. Hosack is appointed to act as Judge 
Advocate, to whom lieut. col. Roorbach will 
send the names of the prisoners and alleged 
crimes, and cause witnesses to attend." 

The business of this court martial was to try 
a Columbian lieut. and surgeon, who had of- 
fended capt. Campbell. They came on board of 
the Leander one night, somewhat exhilirated, 
in consequence of having fallen into hospitable 
company. Here they made a noise so loud, 
that the capt. of the Lily, who lay near, appre- 
hended there was a general riot, the gun of a 
sentinel ©n board going off just at that instant, 



159 

as appeared afterwards by accident. He ac- 
cordingly dispatched a boat for the Mirando- 
nians concerned, with orders to bring them 
dead or alive into his ship. The lieut. resist* 
ed at first ; but being overpowered, was 
brought with the surgeon on board the Lily. 
He seemed to think this exercise of authority 
in the Englishman an indignity, presuming 
that lie vvas not accountable to him for his con- 
duct on board the Leander ; and that it was 
nothing to capt. Campbell, whether the Mi- 
randonians were drunk or sober, vociferous or 
mute. He and his comrade were, however, 
kept in close arrest for trial. The court made 
several ineffectual attempts to proceed to bu- 
siness. The members were so indisposed to 
their office, that they could not be all got to- 
gether. One of them lately from Scotland, 
learning that he was to be summoned to figure 
at the martial board, betook himself into the 
country to be out of the way ; alleging that 
he was not well enough acquainted with the 
American articles of war to sit in judgment on 
the conduct of Columbian culprits. When a 
board was formed, they could not lengthen 
their faces to the solemnity of the occasion 
amidst the arch looks and indirect ridicule of the 



160 

officers who were spectators ; and on different 
pretexts delayed entering upon their functions, 
which they felt were only a caricature of au- 
thority. Finding the business was all a farce, 
Miranda dissolved the court martial ; but to 
preserve the semblance of power, alleged as 
a reason that he had condescended in conse- 
quence of the intercession of capt. Campbell 
and some other officers to pardon the offend- 
ers ; hoping this goodness would have the best 
effect upon their conduct. I have seen the de- 
fence that the lieutenant intended to make, if 
he was arraigned, in which, besides objecting 
to the constitution of the court, alleging that 
one member had given his opinion ; that ano« 
ther was his personal enemy, &c. he pleads 
against the right of jurisdiction : the purport 
of this plea was, " I have sworn to serve the 
free people of South America, or the govern- 
ment, which they may establish ; in my milita- 
ry conduct, having the benefit of the articles of 
war of the United States. Are you gentlemen 
the people of South America, or is your author- 
ity derived from the government which they 
have established? Gen. Miranda, all his vol- 
unteers, as well as his ship, are hereby courte- 
sy ; they and myself are amenable to the civil 



161 

authority of this island and no other. How can 
you try me by the American articles of war, 
with the British ensign flying over your heads?" 
for at that time the Leander on board of which 
the court assembled was under British colours. 
During the space of some months there was 
hardly a week, when this questionable ship 
wore the same ensign. Sometimes the Colum- 
bian flag was hoisted ; sometimes the Ameri- 
can ; at others the British ; and frequently 
none whatever. He concluded with saying, 
" you have no right to arraign my conduct; 
and if you do me any injury, I shall apply to 
the laws of this colony for redress." Whe- 
ther this plea would have been admitted is un- 
certain ; but it agrees with the opinion which 
the officers generally had of their rights and 
obligations. Under this impression, it is per- 
haps remarkable that they behaved so well. 
An honest man is very properly said to be 
more honest on account of the law r ; and 
the licentious may be expected to exemplify 
the necessity of law on many occasions. From 
the nature of the thing however, the will of the 
commander in chief seems to be an authority 
from which there is no appeal. About the 

same time he chose to exert it in turning out 

P2 



162 

of the army a young man without asking the 
opinion of any court martial. 

Though we have stipulated for the benefit 
of the articles of war of the United States, it 
would seem from this instance that he consi- 
ders we hold our places not during good beha- 
viour, but during his pleasure. This person 
was a Mr. B. of Barbadoes, of good education 
and respectable family. His real oiFence un- 
doubtedly was, that he allowed himself to laugh 
at some of the absurdities relating to the expe- 
dition that were daily practised under the eye 
of our chief, Miranda, not satisfied with dis- 
missing him from the army, aimed to disgrace 
him in the view of his comrades, by making 
the act a part of general orders ; charging him 
with conducting improperly in various ways 
and in disobedience of orders ; and observing. 
11 that he begs to be understood by all going 
upon the expedition, that while he will pay 
every attention and respect to the meritorious 
and deserving officer and soldier, he will not 
allow any person that acts improperly to go 
unpunished. " B. being left destitute in a 
strange place, thought proper to proceed with 
the expedition unknown to Miranda. He wish- 
ed %o surprise him by his valour and usefulness 



163 

at the landing ; and to convince the general 
that he had done him injustice. Accordingly 
B. was extremely serviceable at the attack on 
La Vela de Coro, at which time and afterwards 
he proved himself to be possessed of a degree 
of military skill and invincible courage ; but 
though Miranda was assured of this ; and ac- 
knowledged him to be a " man of merit and 
perseverance," his enmity was not to be ap- 
peased ; and he would not reinstate him ; nor 
allow him to be considered any thing but an 
uncommissioned volunteer, in which capacity 
he remained until the abandonment of the en- 
terprise, and then returned to his native island. 
The second of these courts was instituted 
with a view of trying some young men, charg- 
ed with trivial offences, which in any regular 
army would have passed with a moderate re- 
primand. But in these cases, the persons ar- 
raigned were those not belonging to the coterie 
profoundly attached to Miranda, and who gave 
their tongues some greater latitude concerning 
his aifairs, than he approved. He thought it 
necessary to check the evil, which he appre- 
hended might spread, and thus deter others 
from the profaneness of judging and condemn- 
ing his notions and movements. The difficult 



164 

ty of organizing the court prevented their pro- 
ceeding, and thus deprived us of the benefit of 
witnessing what Miranda was wont to term 
" salutary examples of correct discipline. " 
The young men were liberated from arrest after 
tenor twelve day sand ordered to return to duty. 
The third court was called in consequence of 
a dissolution of the former ; and after much 
exertion entered upon business. The adju- 
tant of the North American Infantry was ar- 
raigned ; but it was thought best to let him go* 
The principal offence laid to his charge was dis- 
puting and countermanding the orders of his 
superiour officer in not delivering a camboose 
to the hulans. The adjutant did certainly sub- 
ject himself to a suspicion of contumacy by 
this refusal, but his conduct admitted of so 
much apology that proceedings against him 
were dropped. He received an order from 
the quarter master general to take this most ne- 
cessary article from the Leander, for the pur- 
pose of cooking the goat-flesh rations of the 
North American Infantry, who were under the 
particular care of this adjutant. Accord- 
ingly the camboose had been daily applied to 
the preparation of the meals for the infantry and 
lent occasionally to some other corps. At one 



165 

unlucky time, when this machine was filled 
with the dinner for his men, which was about 
half through the process of boiling ; and when 
it was engaged after he had done with it to be 
lent to the Indian volunteers, whom the general 
calls " my peoples' and who were encamped 
near him ; there came a subaltern w r ith an or- 
der from a major instantly to deliver up the 
camboose, maugre the necessities of the hun- 
gry infantry and those who expected their 
next turn. The adjutant's blood was a little 
too much roused by this apparent contempt of 
the wants of himself and his men ; and he made 
a resolute though an ineffectual stand against 
the demand, conceiving very naturally that nei* 
ther he nor his people could with any reason be 
expected at so short warning to renounce the 
custom of eating their dinner, such as it was* 
The Chev. de B. was charged with a usur- 
pation of authority and with cruelty and un- 
gentlemanlike conduct. But the most serious 
accusation was that of " contempt and disre- 
spect to the commander in chief, in writing 
and sending to him a contemptuous and dis- 
respectful letter, containing false assertions and 
reflections on the characters of his superiour 
officers and those officers composing the gen- 



166 

efal court martial, ordered to assemble on the 
9th. " The court did him the justice to acquit 
him of the charge of cruelty and ungentleman* 
like behaviour ; but found him guilty of the 
last charge ; and sentenced him to be dismiss-, 
ed from the service. Without doubt the let- 
ter was lofty, indignant and sarcastick, and 
all this it might be, and contain no falsehood. In 
law it is a well known maxim, in some instan- 
ces, the greater the truth the greater the libel j, 
and surely it became the court to pronounce 
censures upon themselves and our chief to be 
false. Notwithstanding this sentence, I believe 
it is the opinion of all who know de B, and 
probably of his judges that he is still entitled 
to the character of a gentleman, a good officer 
and a man of honour, as far as came to our 
knowledge. 

In two instances at Aruba, the differences be- 
tween officers, required the " amende honoura- 
ble" and the parties went ought to fight duels ; 
but through the prudence of the seconds in 
one case a reconciliation took place on the 
ground ; and from the same cause probably 
in another, two exchanges of shot left the com- 
batants with a sound skin ; and the challenger 
said he was satisfied. 



167 

The services of the judge advocate in the 
court martial gained him the honour of promo- 
tion, and he was raised from the rank of lieut to 
a captaincy of artillery. This kind of paper re- 
ward h son various occasions been vouchsafed, 
as the uneasiness of an individual with his 
grade, the necessity of answering his call for 
pay, or the policy oi our chief to appear co 
have something to give, and to countenance 
merit, seemed to require. 

During his arrest, chevalier de B. was treat- 
ed with as much severity as if he had been a 
conspirator or felon. He was obliged, by or- 
der of the general, to confine himself on board 
of a small transport schooner, where he almost 
wanted necessaries ; and when he came on 
shore to trial, was escorted by two or three 
soldiers with fixed bayonets. It is very proba- 
ble that he will not hang himself of chagrin for 
not deserving the good will of the adventurer 
and his court martial; though he, like some 
others of us, may not be able to think with 
much patience of the ill stars, that brought him 
into the power of such a man. As to the sen- 
tence of dismissal, he is very possibly so un- 
wise as to imagine tant pis, tant mieux.* 

* So much the worse, so much the better. 






168 

I believe many besides him would be very wil- 
ling to earn a similar sentence, if they were 
certain the doing it would not expose them to 
something more. But the spirit of Miranda is 
chafed, and the consciousness of being dislik- 
ed and distrusted, makes him suspicious and 
revengeful. He has some degree of that spe- 
cies of cowardice which resents the pang it 
feels ; and the animosities among some of the 
officers are rancorous. It would not be sur- 
prising, if a man were to avow his disgust with 
the service, or his want of respect for its lead- 
er, that the latter should pack a court, who be- 
ing governed by his will, instead of contenting 
themselves with taking away the offender's 
commission, should make him feel concern for 
his liberty or even life. The apprehension of 
becoming victims to malice is enough to make 
the officers guarded in their conversation, ex* 
cept among those who are confidential. 



169 

LETTER XXI. 

Animadversions of officers on the Expedition — - 
Curacoa scheme. 

Aruba, Sept. 21st, 1806. 
YOU will naturally ask, what is the purport 
of the conversations which these persons hold ? 
They express their sense of disappointment in 
all their expectations concerning Miranda and 
his schemes. " He lured us," say they " from 
our country and homes by promises and de- 
clarations entirely unfounded. Why did he 
not tell us of the chances against his success, 
which he must have known to exist, instead of 
saying, that his adventure was infallible, setting 
aside the dangers of the seas. Through his 
delusive representations, seventy of our coun- 
trymen are dragging out their miserable exist- 
ence in the Spanish mines ; and ten are report- 
ed to have come to an ignominious end on the 
scaffold. The groans and tears of their wi- 
dows, children, brothers, sisters and friends 
accuse him before high heaven as the immedi- 
ate author of their afflictions." 

Ou the subject of the loss of our schooners, 

Q 



170 

the following is extracted from the journal of 
one of our principal officers, whose station ne- 
cessarily gave him frequent access to the gen- 
eral ; though it differs in some respects from 
the account given in my letter of May 6th, I 
think it proper to be communicated in this 
place. His remarks are couched in these 
terms ; — u When the Leander bore away from 
the land to avoid falling between the two Span- 
ish vessels, which appeared to be the object of 
their commanders, the brig being upon the 
larboard, and the schooner on the starboard 
quarter, the Bee came within hail of the 
Leander ; capt. Huddle informed capt. Lewis 
from his speaking trumpet, that he was out of 
ammunition, Lewis replied that he could not 
then send the boat with a supply, but he must 
keep near the Leander and be ready to board.. 
This undoubtedly prevented the capt. of the 
Bee from pressing sail as he otherwise would 
have done. The Leander, however, receded 
from the guarda costas, while the latter gained 
upon our schooners. At length the Bacchus 
bore away wing and wing before the wind. 
The Spanish brig instantly pursued. Previous 
to this Miranda had gone below, and had sent 
for capt, Lewis 5 what passed between thera 



171 

we shall never learn except from their own de^ 
clarations ; for in this case as in all others of 
importance, Miranda did not permit a third per- 
son to be present. When Lewis came upon 
deck, it was supposed we should, if possible, 
engage the Spanish schooner, still in pursuit of 
us, and bearing on our starbord quarter, the 
Bee having fallen on our larboard. No orders 
to this effect were however given. Lewis told 
me that the general wished to see me below\ 
When I entered his state room I found the 
general with a chart in his hand and pointing 
to the islands of Trinidad and Margaritta, he 
said " we must go first to the island of Aves or 
Bonair for water, and I think we had then best 
shape our course for Trinidad, where I have 
resources and shall receive assistance from the 
English ; here is Margaritta which we can 
take if w T e think proper with the force we now 
have ; the pilot tells me we can beat up in ten 
or fifteen days. — What is your opinion ?" I 
said in reply, U I concurred with him both in 
the feasibility and expediency of this measure ; M 
but added, " let us endeavour to save our 
schooners, general. The Bacchus has borne 
away before the wind and is pursued by the 
Spanish brig ; I believe it is the opinion of 



172 

those who are skilled in naval tacticks, that we 
can now put about, engage and carry the Span* 
ish schooner unless she outsails us ; by this 
attempt we shall probably divert the brig from 
ehasing the Bacchus, as she will be under ap- 
prehensions for her consort, and the Bee will be 
again protected by our ship and ready to assist 
in boarding. At all events sir, and upon every 
calculation we shall save our comrades. It is 
the desire of us. all upon deck, general, to per- 
ish with our companions rather than become eye 
witnesses to their capture. 55 " Well then 55 — 
was -Miranda's reply to this representation; 

the meaning of which I thus interpreted 

if you will make the attempt, I shall not or will- 
not, or most likely cannot prevent you ; but I 
have given my private orders to capt. Lewis. 
For Lewis declared the next day and always 
afterwards, " that Miranda had ordered him to 
bear away and escape. 55 This the general ne- 
ver denied : but said in a conversation with me 
the following morning, that " Lewis undoubt- 
edly would endeavour to throwall the blame upon 
him, 55 thus intimating a consciousness that he 
was responsible. Every circumstance attend- 
ing this affair tallies with the foregoing remarks, 
whatever Miranda may choose to say to the 



173 

contrary. Before he went below, he asked the 
officer who acted as aid to Lewis, " what shall 
we do to save our schooners, " "fight sirj r 
was the answer. I shall not say what motive 
induced him to order the flight of the Leander. 
A desire to save his own person is the most 
probable solution ; yet while on deck he ap- 
peared cool and collected. When he first came 
up in the morning, he looked rather big and full 
of fight. After viewing the Spanish vessels 
with his pocket glass, he observed to me " well 
sir, can't we burn and destroy these rascals. 5 ' 
" We must try, general; if we do not burn 
them, they will certainly burn us." Whatever 
he would or would not have done, it is now to 
no purpose to enquire. Our associates are 
in captivity ; if their lives are spared, their mis- 
eries and sufferings will be worse than death ; 
and we are left to reflect with grief and indig- 
nation that we were not permitted, though ever 
ry heart burned with impatience for the conflict, 
to make an effort for their salvation." 

The conduct of their chief in other particulars 
his officers arraign on various grounds. u At 
Barbadoes and Trinidad," say they, " he was 
near defeating the disposition in British gov- 
ernors and commanders to assist him > and did 
Q2 



174 

do it in a considerable degree, by the extrava- 
gance of his expectations and claims. It is 
certain," they observe, " that before he sailed 
for the Main, he might have obtained funds for 
for his purposes by only promising to capital- 
ists commercial privileges, which it was in his 
power to promise and might have been to 
perform. Though his poverty paralized all his 
operations, he did not avail himself of this re- 
source, alleging that his 6< people" would sup- 
ply him with all he wanted. By lorce he took 
possession of one of their strong holds and a 
chief city ; yet when he had obtained these 
advantages, he professed to have scruples a- 
bout using this same force to secure what he 
had gained. What business had he at all in 
that country in arms, if he did not mean to exert 
pow r er when persuasion failed ? He contented 
himself with sending out proclamations and 
pamphlets, instead of demanding the king's 
treasure, or levying contributions or resorting 
to any of those expedients which belong to 
usages of warfare. He might have maintained 
himself in La Vela for a length of time ; and 
had he continued there, he would undoubtedly 
have been reinforced from different quarters. 
If he had friends and adherents in that country 



175 

as he always declared, his stay would have 
brought them to rally round him, His con- 
tinuance would have accorded with the inten- 
tions and expectations of the British admiral, 
who had assisted him so far. Admiral Coch-\ 
rane undoubtedly intended to give him all the 
chance that a sufficient naval force could sup- 
ply. In proof of this, several armed vessels, 
including one seventy-four, were sent to sup- 
port the squadron first put under his orders, 
and supposed to be at Coro, with directions to 
land a number of men, as they might be found 
necessary and useful ; but finding we had de- 
parted in an unaccountable manner, they have 
naturally concluded that he is unequal to his 
enterprise and is not worth supporting. It is 
not surprising that their orders should not ex- 
tend to conducting him from one part to ano- 
ther of the Caribbean sea or to assist in a se- 
cond attempt on the Main, when he had made 
such a faux pas in the first. Undoubtedly 
they are ready to seize the pretext which they 
now have for dissolving a connexion attended 
with expense to the government and mortifica- 
tion to its patrons ; satisfied that they do more 
than justice to his claims in conveying him to 
a place of safety. Had he displayed the ener- 



176 

gy which became his pretensions and means, 
there is reason to believe he would have be- 
come so powerful as to afford protection to 
those who should choose to join his standard, 
or at least make terms for his captive follow- 
ers, whose relief was a primary motive with 
many of us for going a second time on the ex- 
pedition. What has he done to rescue these 
unfortunate men ? Having determined to eva- 
cuate the Main, he might have made the libera- 
tion of the prisoners a condition of his depar- 
ture. The government there would not have 
thought the surrender of the prisoners too great 
a price for even the temporary riddance of so 
troublesome a visitor. If this be supposed im- 
practicable, why has he never made an effort with 
the English commanders to have them put on 
the footing of prisoners of war ? In short that 
this man is able to do evil is certain, but to do 
good, where is his skill or force ? He was an 
object of abhorrence to his countrymen before; 
he is now regarded with contempt." How far 
these complaints and charges are true, let facts 
decide. To these causes of uneasiness is to 
be added the dissatisfaction of the American 
officers at being superceded in their grade by 
those who embarked in the cause more recent- 



177 

ly. From the information we have received, 
we think a war between the United States and 
Spain almost certain. In this case, Miranda 
might get resources from our country. But 
the Lt/ander concern have been such sufferers, 
and the American officers and soldiers are so 
much disgusted, the general would probably 
be disappointed in his expectation of further 
support from individuals of the United States, 
I see no probability that the English will do 
any thing more. You will now enquire, what 
do we propose ? As I have observed, we are in 
the power of this man : and have good reasons 
to apprehend serious collisions, if we take any 
steps to get rid of his authority. If we were of 
one sentiment and party, it would certainly be 
easy to prescribe our terms and to require him 
to command as we please ; to take the com- 
mand ourselves, or to abandon him altogether. 
Our proper course would undoubtedly be to 
release ourselves from his service, or to com- 
pel him to give us the direction of the Lean- 
der and all the men, over whom the British 
have no absolute authority. But an attempt 
of this kind might not succeed, without blood- 
shed, as he has a few sycophants and gascon- 
ades still about his person, who might op- 



178 

pose it. We prefer more suffering, rather 
than increase the contempt and ridicule of our 
enemies and the world, by cutting one another's 
throats. Miranda is perhaps indebted to ouf 
pride more than our affection for the continu- 
ance of his authority, if not for the safety of his 
head. 

As a proof of the discontent that prevails a- 
mong the troops, the Indians and Spanish peo- 
ple of colour have already threatened to desert 
into the woods if they are not soon better 
treated ; they complain of seeing no omen of 
happier times ; of the tyranny of the pompous 
bashaw who commands them in the camp, and 
of the want of food and apparel. We are ve* 
ry short of provisions and ill accommodated in 
every respect ; it is therefore not surprising 
that the Indians, though used to exercise 
patience under sufferings, should despond and 
Jhold this language. 

The only officer of rank and influence, who 
feels for their situation, and in whose sinceri- 
ty and friendship they have confidence, is still 
confined with his wounds, at his quarters some 
distance from town. They are therefore de* 
j>rived of his personal interposition. This dis- 



179 

content extends to the Spanish officers* also. 
Their displeasure is often expressed in the 
strongest terms against our chief. To one of 
these gentlemen,an American officer observed, 
that " he believed the expedition would never 
succeed under Miranda ; his indecision, cap. 
rice, petulance, meanness and duplicity ren- 
der him unfit for conducting any enterprise of 
magnitude. " — " Oui" said he " nous le ferrous 
sans cet chien Miranda. II rfest pas capable 
he fair e un grand chose. II a nous trompe." 

Their tempers have been soured by their re- 
cent disappointment on the Main ; and not 
theirs alone ; there are few indeed, who do not 
sincerely lament ever having had any thing to 
do with our humbug expedition, as it is now 
very properly called. You can have no idea 
to what a distressing situation we are reduced. 
Our stores can only hold out, even with the 
strictest economy but a short period ; the 
island affords but little water and few supplies 



* Four of these gentlemen joined us at Trinidad, 
and were commissioned afterwards at Cocfie. A publi- 
cation of their names was deemed improper ; some or all 
of them having friends in the Spanish provinces, who 
might be made to suffer on their account. 



180 

of any kind ; we suffer the want in a great 
measure of almost every necessary ; and what 
renders it still worse, the moment must soon 
arrive, when this miserable island, drained by 
its hungry intruders of its present scanty .stock, 
can supply no relief, even if Miranda had the 
means and inclination to make us comfortable. 
Of the former, he pretends to be destitute ; 
and I much doubt whether he possesses the 
latter. He is at present certainly no example 
of the softening influence of adversity ; I believe 
rather, a black chagrin has destroyed his sym- 
pathies with his followers. So that we exist, 
execute his orders, and form a guard to pro- 
tect him from the vengeance of the incensed 
Spaniards, no matter what we undergo ; w r e 
answer all that this renowned Miranda requires. 
His majesty's brig Ferret arrived here on 
the 13th, from Jamaica, and landed the gene- 
ral's messenger. The result of the mission, 
though not publickly known, is as we expect- 
ed, unfavourable. Admiral Dacres and the 
governor of Jamaica replied to the application 
of Miranda, that they knew nothing more of 
his expedition than what they learned from ru- 
mour and the publick prints, that they had re- 
ceived no orders from administration to afford 



181 

it any aid, and had nothing more to give him 
but wishes of such success as his design 
merited. 

The English ship Elephant of 74 guns is now 
at anchor here ; it has been said that she is to 
join us ; but this is all a puff; such as we are 
used to feed upon. The frigate Galatea and 
brig Express, both of which have been laying 
here some time, sailed on the 19th, and we shall 
probably not see them again. The British of- 
ficers are very averse to being attached to his 
excellency Don Francisco. They do not ap- 
pear to think they shall earn laurels or riches in 
his cause. The Elephant sailed yesterday for 
Jamaica, and the schooner Pickle, lately arriv- 
ed here has sailed for England. By her the 
general has sent dispatches ; and a number of 
intercepted letters, written by officers of the 
Spanish government describing the apprehen- 
sions of the government of Caraccas respecting 
Miranda. They were taken by the English 
sloop of war Osprey, whilst we were in pos- 
session of Coro, from the Spanish mail boat on 
her passage from La Guira to Cumana and 
Margaritta. 

It is reported that we are soon to quit this 

island. Wherever we go, we shall hardly 

R 



182 - 

change for the worse. The inhabitants of this 
wretched place, to whom we have been a hea- 
vy burden will no doubt celebrate the day of 
our departure. 

Sept. 26th. I have seen our general for the 
first time these three weeks. Like the Grand 
Lama he is seldom visible, but to those select 
few who are so advanced in purity and wisdom 
as to be worthy to approach his august pre- 
sence. There was once a time when he was 
very accessible but that time has passed away ; 
and it is not wonderful since he would see ma- 
ny an anxious and perturbed countenance, and 
hear perhaps too many complaints, if he allow^ 
ed himself to be easily visited by his officers. 
But though he may resemble the Grand Lama 
in being invisible to vulgar eyes, he does not 
resemble him in that divine tranquillity and re- 
pose of soul, which distinguishes the Thibetian 
object of worship. Of late, as you m?y think 
natural, he has commonly appeared very much 
occupied with unquiet thoughts. To day his 
aspect is unusually severe, heavy and despond- 
ing, as though he was " revolving the various 
fates of men below." The other officers around 
him, seem to have received a stimulus, not of 
the agreeable kind. Armstrong's brows are 



183 

knit together as if he apprehended dismissal, 
or had heard extremely bad news — or it may be 
owing to the unruly workings of the bile, which 
his system generates in dangerous abundance. 
Count de Rouvray takes shorter steps than he 
is wont and in a right line, backwards and for- 
wards, neither looking to the right nor left, 
paying no attention to any who pass by him ; 
he appears entirely abstracted. Unless I am 
deceived he is digging out of his brains some 
Cl effectual expedients" to be formed by his 
excellency into " practicable plans." The 
forge in which our councils and measures are 
produced, is a complete manufactory of these 
articles. Count de Rouvray furnishes crude 
ore called " expedients," extracted from the 
deep cogitations of his mind. This is put into 
the general's smelting furnace, which is always 
kept hot and in readiness to bring on a fusion* 
The quarter master general blows the bellows 
of adulation, whilst the colonel of engineers, 
by opposition, sometimes furnishes coals in 
abundance to keep up the flame ; and again by 
the cold water of objections, damps and almost 
extinguishes the fire. There are subordinate 
characters, whose business it is to do little 
jobs about the forge, as " every individual in 



184 

our army is rated according to his merits and 
talents." I have observed that those who have 
neither are best off, if they did but know it ; 
never being called upon in affairs of conse- 
quence, they are not in danger of his excellen- 
cy's terrible frowns, nor liable to be intoxicat- 
ed by his approbation. They have nothing to 
do, but to bite their nails and lament their in- 
significance in obscurity. Col. Roorbach, who 
has more spirits, youth and vivacity than any 
man of his years in Christendom, appears in 
tolerable good humour ; but still it is evident 
that all is not w r ell within. There seems to be 
a general inquietude from his excellency to his 
most devoted valet. Those who have no state 
affairs to disturb their minds, have something 
else, equally important to them ; such as re- 
flecting how they shall pay their bills in this 
place. I have seen but two landlords to day, 
who both look thoughtful and dull, undoubted- 
ly from calculating profit and loss. You will 
now ask, what can occasion this extraordi- 
nary perturbation of your cabinet ; I know not, 
unless it be the failure of a thing called theC uraeoa 
scheme. Miranda has been trying to intrigue 
that island into his possession. An ambassador 
by the name of P. wha was sent there, has lately 



185 

returned after an unsuccessful negociation. The 
governor of Curacoa " knows no such man as gen* 
Miranda." What an ignorant man this go- 
vernor must be ! Surely our commander in 
chief is known from one end of the earth to the 
other ! The governor above alluded to, has 
the cruelty to declare that he cannot spare the 
island j^/, that gen, Miranda must call again. 
What impudence to refuse so modest a request 
as our chief condescended to make — only to be 
admitted into the quiet possession of the island 
of Curacoa, and to take all the Spanish proper* 
ty as a reward for going there ! About six 
weeks ago his excellency commenced operat- 
ing upon a scheme, which he has had long in 
contemplation of possessing himself of Cura- 
coa. To bring this desirable object about, as 
he had not a sufficient force of his own, and as 
the English ships then at his disposal, were 
either not able or not willing to attempt an at- 
tack on that island, he resolved to try what di- 
plomatick skill would do ? For this purpose he 
employed a resident of Aruba, giving him in- 
structions to wait on the governor of Curacoa 
and to inform him that he should be paid a 
certain sum of money, if the island surrender- 
ed on the appearance before it of a small English 

R 2 



186 






squadron, which should be forth coming as soon 
as he agreed to the terms stipulated in the in* 
structions of Miranda's ambassador, of which 
the following is the tenor : viz. that in the 
event of a surrender, all the Spanish property 
should on the governor's receiving his dou- 
ceur be put into the hands of Don Francisco ; 
and the Dutch property to be put in possession 
of the British, who should conduct him to 
his new dominions. P. after being absent five 
weeks, and creating much anxiety by his de- 
lay, returned with an answer that the governor 
of Curacoa knew no such man as Don Fran- 
eisco de Miranda, commander in chief of the 
Columbian army ; and could therefore entef 
into no negociation on the subject of selling his 
master's property and his own government. It 
is also reported, and generally credited that P. 
was prevailed upon to sell Miranda; and that 
he went to La Guira where he made known 
the Don's intentions with regard to Curacoa 
and his future designs respecting the Spanish 
Main. To counteract the effects of this re- 
port however, the ambassador asserts that he 
was arrested the moment of his arrival in the 
island and remained in duresse until just be- 
fore bis departure. Whether this be true, m 



18? 

Whether the charge of betraying his excellen- 
cy be also true, certain it is that P. divulged 
his instructions on the very day he received 
them. He had two letters in his hands rela- 
tive to this business ; one written in French ., 
signed, de Miranda, and the other in English, 
signed by his Columbian majesty's private se- 
cretary. The first contained his powers and 
instructions. The second was addressed to a 
merchant of Curacoa, who was honoured with 
an invitation to assist P. if necessary in his ne- 
gociations, when he could bring matters to 
bear. Both of these letters he exposed before 
he took passage for the execution of his mis- 
sion. P. brought intelligence, on his return* 
that a number of Spaniards had crossed over 
from Curacoa to Aruba, with a design on the 
neck of our chief. One or two of the " virtu- 
ous people 95 of this place were put in irons, 
and closely imprisoned on suspicion of being 
prhy to this black intent. A boat did actually 
come from the Main, with several armed men 
on board ; but a knowledge of it reaching head 
quarters in good season they were pursued, af- 
ter a feu had landed, and fled without being 
overtaken. 



V 



88 



LETTER XXIL 

New captain appointed to the Leanier — His ilV 
conduct and cruelty to the sailors — Condition 
of the sick on board — Miranda* s treatment of 
eapt. Meade, commander oj the brig Commo- 
dore Barry — Soliloquy. 

Aruba.Sbpt. 2Sth, 1806. 
THOUGH our situation is necessarily 
bad, it is rendered worse than it need be by 
the ill management of Miranda and others to 
whom he delegates his power. In many con- 
cerns that relate to our enterprise, they appear 
to do every thing but that which should be 
done. Indeed, so accustomed are we to their 
perverse and impolitick proceedings, that we 
are disappointed when they do any thing that 
is not preposterous, or is in a tolerable degree 
considerate. The commander of the Leander, 
Waldegrave, as I told you, having become 
sick and removed to the hospital, it was neces- 
sary his place should be supplied. As though 
we had not enough of unavoidable ills, with- 
out some voluntary additions, who should be 
selected for this place but a man as unfit as 



189 

can be conceived, neither soldier, sailor nor 
gentleman. Puffed up with his little brief au- 
thority, he employs it in a manner, precisely 
the most offensive and tyrannical. The offi* 
cers on board have been repeatedly the objects 
of his insolence ; and the men of his wanton 
cruelty. The former are so much tamed by 
their adversities, that they do not think of re- 
pelling his encroachments ; and the poor sail- 
ors, what can they do, but bend in silence un- 
der the lash of the low bred tyrant ? A few day* 
ago he had a man tied to the gang way, order- 
ing the boatswain's mate to give him forty 
lashes ; a liberty with the rights of an individ- 
ual and the rules of military and naval disci- 
-pline for which as you recollect de B. was 
brought to answer before a court martial. An 
officer who happened to be on board from the 
island, whilst this brute was gratifying his ears 
with the cries of the sailor under punishment 
drew his sword, and ordered the boatswain's 
mate to desist. This timely interference sa- 
ved four or five more from the lash, who had 
been sentenced that morning to the gang way, 
by this vile upstart. A number of the sick 
troops were some days ago put on board the 
fceander, now laying about tvvs mile* fr©m 



190 

town. To these distressed creatures, this man 
shewed an inhumanity, which we should won- 
der to find in a cannibal. Judge you of their 
condition to be at the mercy of a wretch who 
could answer the calls for relief, from those who 
were lingering under disease and want, fre- 
quently with curses; and even refuse them 
wholesome water to allay their thirst when 
burning with fever. Instead of sending on 
shore once a day for a sufficient quantity of 
fresh water for the whole ship's company in- 
cluding the sick, he procured only a partial 
supply, and this he husbanded and confined to 
the use of himself, his dog and a portion of the 
sailors with whom he was making a party, 
whilst he caused the sick to be served with 
water that had been for some time on boards 
which was stale and sometimes putrified ; giv- 
ing this brutal reason " that the well should be 
his care, in order to keep them so, as it was 
uncertain whether the sick would live or die ; 
and if the latter happened, attention would be 
lost upon them." This conduct was well 
known at head quarters, yet the wretch, who 
was guilty of it was continued in a situation, 
where he had both an opportunity to inflict 
gratuitous misery, and an inclination to use it 



191 

that would disgrace a savage. Complaints af- 
ter complaints, and representation after repre- 
sentation, respecting the behaviour of this fel- 
low have been sent to Miranda without procur- 
ing redress and indeed without obtaining no- 
tice. Being placed in command at the in- 
stance of the quarter master general, and ap- 
proved of by the general, he has no occasion to 
be scrupulous about his duty, his treatment of 
others, nor his manners. — What motive is 
there to pay court to our superiours, if they 
will not bear us out in our villanies, and we 
must behave as well as if we rested on our 
character. Become a favourite, if you wish 
the liberty of being a domineering poltroon 
with impunity. 

You will remember, mention has been made 
of our being attended to the Spanish Main by 
two merchant vessels ; the brig Commodore 
Barry and the schooner Trimmer. Captain 
Edward Meade commanded the first, and capt. 
Hancock the last. It is proper in this place 
to relate the conduct of Miranda towards the 
commander of the brig. I shall take some 
other opportunity to speak of capt Hancock's 
affair. Capt Meade arrived from Philadelphia 
at Port of Spain with a cargo of flour some- 



192 

time before we sailed. The market being ve- 
ry low, he was tempted to listen to proposals 
for trying his chance on the Main, under the 
auspices of Miranda ; with whom he made the 
following contract, signed by his quarter mas- 
ter general. 

Trinidad, July 23d, 1806. 
Don Francisco de Miranda, commander in 
chief of the Columbian Army: — 1 have this 
day agreed with and given permission to cap. 
tain Edward Meade, of the city of Philadel- 
phia, commanding the brig Commodore Bar- 
ry, to sail with, and under the protection of 
the naval force, engaged in my expedition, to 
South America ; on the following terms : viz. 
captain Meade shall sail with the expedition, 
and shall not leave the squadron without my 
permission till a landing is effected in some 
part of South America. He shall then be per- 
mitted to sell his cargo to the people of the 
country, at the highest prices he can obtain, 
free of duty. It is understood that the com- 
mander in chief or the government of the coun- 
try shall have a preference of purchase, upon 
their allowing the same prices, as can be ob- 
tained from individuals. It is also agreed that 
captain Meade shall have liberty to proceed to 



19 



Q 



another market (not an enemy's port) provided, 
the first attempt to effect a landing is not ac- 
complished within six days* after the arrival 
of the squadron at the place of destination. It 
is understood that captain Meade shall have 
good dispatch in the disposal of his cargo ; and 
upon his embarkation for North America, he 
shall take an officer on board of his brig, bear- 
ing dispatches for the commander in chief, free 
of all expense and charges." 

Although the landing was effected, there was 
no government and no people to be customers 
of captain Meade ; and he, finding that our ex- 
pedition did not succeed, and that it was use- 
less for him to remain there, requested the gen- 
eral to allow him to proceed, according to a- 
greement, to another port. Miranda, after ma- 
ny importunities once answered, that he might 
go where he pleased. But when on ourevac- 



* The general extended this term to ten days, before 
the contract was signed by his quarter master general ; and 
though Miranda dictated the contract himself, he refused 
to place his own signature to it. Whether it was a mo- 
tive of his prudence, or the effect of accident, is not easily 
determined ; but Miranda never used his own name, when 
that of another person would answer his purpose. 

s 



194 

iiating La Vela de Coro, Meade shaped his 
course for Curracoa ; one of the men of war 
brigs fired several shot at him and compelled 
the Commodore Barry to join the squadron 
again, This compulsory meabure was known to 
have resulted from the instructions of our chief, 
which 'were given previous to our departure 
from La Vela de Coro ; otherwise the Ameri- 
can brig would not have been molested. She 
was forced to accompany us to Aruba ; and 
here has been embargoed during the whole time 
we have had possession of this island. When 
Meade expostulated against these proceedings, 
the general said "the law of nations justified the 
detention." The law of necessity perhaps he 
might have said with more exactness. At the 
time Meade was embargoed, there was an ap- 
prehension that the English ships might aban- 
don us on account of a disagreement between 
Miranda and theBritish officers. In this case we 
should have stood in peculiar need of the Com- 
modore Barry's cargo of flour and provisions, 
as our supplies were nearly out. Indeed, from 
the time we fell in with the Lily, after our de- 
feat at Porto Cabello, to the present time, the 
English vessels attached to the enterprise, have 
furnished almost all our supplies ; with the ex- 



195 

eeption of a quantity of wine and flour, sup* 
plied by individuals of Trinidad ; who were 
so wise as to think a commission in the email, 
cipator's army, a ticket in fortune's lottery 
worth the risk of their property. 

Our parting from Aruba is considered as aa 
abandonment of the expedition. One of our 
wits acquainted with scripture, has given me 
the following soliloquy, which may well be 
said to breathe the sorrow and indignation of 
the defeated enthusiast, or ci-devant deliverer of 
South America. 

" Verily, verily I say unto you, inasmuch 
as ye have not hearkened unto my sayings and 
have been heedless of my revolutionary doc- 
trines, and have disregarded my proclamations, 
I will go oat from among a corrupt nation and 
a perverse people. — The time is nigh at hand 
when ye shall fall by the kings of your own 
choice and the idols whom ye have set up un- 
to yourselves ; nor will I rescue you from the 
bondage of your forefathers ; ye shall continue 
under the yoke of the French and the Span- 
iards, unless the English deliver you ; and / 
will strive to harden the hearts of the English 
against you, that they may not listen to you in 
the day of your great calamity and tribulation-: 



196 

1 will mock when your affliction cometh. Your 
enemies shall feed on the harvest of your fields, 
they shall riot in your dwellings and enjoy the 
labours of your hands. All this shall come up- 
on you, because ye have not knoivn me, and be- 
cause ye have not followed my precepts. Had 
ye not turned your backs upon me, I would 
have been your deliverance; ye should have 
possessed an inheritance of democracy, which 
should have lasted till time was grey with years ; 
ye should have been my people, and I would 
have lived among you, and been your head to 
instruct and govern you in all things accord- 
ing to my own exalted principles of govern- 
ment, and your arm to defend you against eve- 
ry foe ; but ye have not known me, even so, I 
have renounced vou," 



197 

LETTER XXIII. 

Departure from Aruba. — Miranda and suite 
embark in the Seine frigate. — Lieut. D-uyer, 
an English officer ^ takes command of the 
Leander. — Events during the passage,— 
Arrival at Grenada. 

Leander at sea, Sept. 2S/A, 1806. 
ON the morning of the 27th, we left Aru- 
ba under convoy of his majesty's ship La 
Seine, commanded by capt. Atkins. We are 
bound to Trinidad, Grenada or Barbadoes, 
but which is not told. The Lily, Attentive 
and our gun boats got under weigh the day 
before, meaning to beat up along the Main to 
Trinidad, while we stand to the northward, for 
one of the islands mentioned. Our officers 
and troops are distributed among the vessels 
lately employed in Miranda's enterprise. This 
disposition of his forces confirms the supposi- 
tion that he has given up his design. The gen- 
eral, Molinijhispublick secretary, Mr. Smith, his 
aid-de-camp, and some other officers take their 
passage in the Seine. Miranda very wisely selects 

a stronger and swifter vessel than the Leander. 

S 2 



198 

He has never sailed in her since we left Trinidad 
in July ; for she is obliged frequently to be 
taken in tow 5 and in case she should be aban* 
doned to her chance, she might before long be 
found with the Don, in Guadaloupe or La 
Guira. Capt. Atkins hearing that the man 
appointed to command the Leander was not 
fitted for the post, sent lieut. Dwyer of the 
British navy, to supercede him ; and our capt. 
has dropped into the capacity of mate. The 
lieut. soon grew impatient of him in this sta- 
tion ; for he had not been with us an hour be- 
fore he discovered that the mate formerly capt. 
professed to be a seaman without any knowl- 
edge of seamanship — You know that true sail- 
ors are not very patient of those who they 
imagine intrude upon their calling. Dwyer 
soon availed himself of a circumstance by 
which he got rid of his mate. Having given 
orders according to custom in armed vessels, 
that the crew should be called to quarters at 
a particular hour ; the mate, at 4 o'clock, the 
appointed time, ordered the drum to beat for 
this purpose. Either from ignorance or contu- 
macy, he had not first observed the punctilio 
of reporting the hour, and hearing the pleasure 
of the commander of the ship who was then 



199 

in the cabin. Dwyer on hearing the signal. 
asked the mate why he had ordered the drum 
to beat without notifying the hour to him ? 
He replied he was calling the men to quarters ; 
but after several interlocutions the commander 
took fire at the insolence of his mein or lan- 
guage, and made it a very serious business; 
called for his dirk and threatened to hew him 
down if he uttered another word. Col. A. en- 
tered into a warm discussion with Dwyer upon 
this exercise of power. The latter however, 
ordered the English ensign hoisted union 
downwards, as a signal for mutiny. An officer 
was sent from the Seine and the refractory 
mate conveyed on board. You may be sure 
we were not displeased to find impudence and 
ignorance deservedly punished. 

October loth. When will this intolerable 
vovasre come to an end ? How long before we 
shall have paid the forfeiture of our civism ? 
Our ship is so much crowded, there is scarcely 
room on deck to manage the vessel. Our pro- 
visions consist of some bad flour, which is 
chiefly used for making a clammy preparation, 
from its shape called a pudding, which taste- 
less as it is, is swallowed with avidity, as it 
serves to fill the "aching void" of hungry 



mo 

stomachs; add to this a small supply of refuse 
beef and damaged bread. Through the im- 
providence of our ci-devant captain, previous: 
to sailing, the water is short and what we 
have bad ; and the rum worse. In provisions 
and rum, the crew are allowanced six to four, 
that is, the quantity usually given to four is 
divided among six. Water is served out in 
less proportion. It is a common thing towards 
night to hear fifty persons complaining bitter* 
ly of thirst, and wishing in vain that they 
could get a full draught of water, at the price 
of any thing in their possession. This ship 
has never, since the early times of the expedi- 
tion, abounded in conveniences, and by waste, 
wear and tear, the few it had are extremely re- 
duced in number. 

The sick and wounded that were removed 
on board from the hospitals at Aruba, a few 
days before our departure, are the greatest suf. 
ferers by our want of necessaries and our bad 
accommodation. We are particularly interr 
ested for two young men, in the height of vio- 
lent fever ; for whom we have no cordials, nor 
scarcely medicines, One of them about nine- 
teen years of age and very amiable, is a Mr. 
Burnett, who joined the enterprise at New 



201 

York ; and has always kept free from the low 
excesses and dissipations that have marked the 
conduct of too many of our company ; when 
the opportunities of indulgence were afforded. 
We had little hope of his recovery, but appear- 
ances are now more favourable. 

A voyage at the best, is a severe trial of tern- 
pers. The monotony of the greatest part of the 
days, the want of incident and occupation, and 
the necessity of being always together, dispose 
passengers, who have no stated duty on board, to 
be tired of themselves and each other and to a- 
bound in spleen. In our circumstances, the 
common causes of uneasiness are aggravated 
by peculiar irritations. Hunger and thirst are 
no promoters of patience and good nature, even 
in philosophers and gentlemen ; still less in 
such an ignorant and undisciplined mob as we 
have to manage. CoL Armstrong who com- 
mands the land department, has enough to do 
to keep his people quiet. The great subject 
of contention and trouble is the eating and 
drinking ; he has issued several orders, making 
arrangements in this important business — ow- 
ing to the smallness of our cabin, and the great 
number of officers on board, the latter are di- 



202 



vided into three messes, who take possession 
of the table in succession. 

By this distribution, the company is better 
assorted than it would be, if the cabin were 
large enough to admit the whole to sit at the 
same time. But notwithstanding all the efforts 
of the quarter master general and his assistants, 
there is much discontent and confusion. Hard- 
ly a day passes that does not witness disputes 
and scoldings, which often terminate in arrests 
and confinements. The hungry dogs, who 
cannot help complaining, wear out the patience 
of their officer, of which he has indeed but a 
small stock ; and he gives them passionate 
reprimands, or sends them off deck under a 
shower, of what in any other case would be 
called abuse, with orders not to show them- 
selves there again. Much precaution has been 
used against uncleanliness and disease. The 
Indians, who are naturally inert and if they were 
not molested would be stretched on the deck 
for hours, basking in the sun, are soused over 
head and ears in a tub of water every day by 
way of stimulus and lavement under the eye 
and direction of our infantry adjutant. I do 
not know that any of the crawling tribe have 
strayed so far from home as to be found on the 



203 



dinner plate of the quarter master general ; 
like the temerarious little beast, whose imper- 
tinent visit awaked the wrath of George the 3d. 
so irreverently sung and celebrated by that 
wicked satirist Peter Pindar. But an appre- 
hension of a similar or worse disasterj presume 
has led this officer to proclaim war upon all the 
locks and curls of our non commissioned offi- 
cers and privates. The order of the 2d inst. 
directed that their " hair" should be " cut u- 
niformiy short all round : i. e. so short that a 
comb will lay between the head and scissars," 
which has accordingly been done ; and every 
man's head resembles a scrubbing: brush. It 

is 

went much against the feelings of many of them 
to be shaved in this manner, as they valued 
their flowing hair ; but they could get no ex- 
emption from the indispensable regulation ; in- 
deed the quarter master general thought it mer- 
ciful not to behead his redoubtabies. Captain 
Atkins has just afforded us a supply ol provi- 
sions, our exigencies obliging us to become pe- 
titioners. Col. Smith has sent some refresh- 
ments for the sick ; so that we have fewer wry 
faces. The frigate Seine has had us in tow al- 
most every hour since we left Aruba ; and as 



204 

she is a fast sailing ship, we have the hope of 
anchoring some where before long. 

Grenada, October 2lst. After a passage of 
twenty five days, we have reached this island ; 
where we only stay to take in water and pro- 
visions, if the low credit of our general and his 
expedition do not prevent, and then sail for 
Trinidad. 

October 22d. We have been more fortunate 
in getting supplies than we expected ; though 
we could only procure enough to last us to 
Port of Spain, Trinidad. The Seine sailed 
early this morning for Barbadoes with general 
Miranda and most of his suite on board. Be- 
fore they left the harbour our ship fired a sa- 
lute in compliment to capt. Atkins for his kind 
and careful attention to us. Our salute was 
duly honoured by the Seine, 

Lieut. Dwyer quitted the Leander the mo- 
ment she cast anchor, declaring he was never 
so " tired of a ship in his life ;" and no won- 
der, for his command was a perpetual vexation. 
During the passage he had several quarrels 
with the quarter- master general, who, he con- 
ceived, interfered with his duty. In these ca- 
ses Dwyer treated this lordly personage with 
very little ceremony, and obliged him to sue* 



* 



205 

cumb not only to his reasonable claims, but I 
think sometimes to his whims and caprices. 
When Dwyer was not employed in settling his 
own disputes with the col he was defending 
some of the officers or men from his rudeness 
and violence. Mr. Armstrong's tyranny was e- 
nough in many instances to raise the indigna- 
tion ot the most indifferent by-stander. He 
obliged three officers, on very slight provoca- 
tion, to remain upwards of two weeks of our 
last passage, on the ship's forcastle, denying 
them the liberty of walking on the quarter deck 
or entering the cabin. Probably a number 
more would have been put under the like sort of 
interdict had not the British lieut. used his as- 
cendancy to prevent such an unauthorized and 
irregular use of power. As soon as this offi- 
cer gave up his place, the mate mentioned be- 
fore took the command under the patronage of 
his old friend A. and we are now at sea under 
convoy of his majesty's brig Grenada, afford- 
ing the officers and crew of that vessel a per- 
petual source of diversion by the ridiculous 
manner in which this lubberly captain mana- 
ges the ship. 

Col. Kirkland, who has nearly recovered of 

his wounds, and captain Hancock are now at 

T 



206 

St. Georges (Grenada) waiting for a passage 
in a neutral vessel to Barbadoes. The form- 
er as agent for Miranda, and by his express 
direction chartered the schooner Trimmer of 
the latter to accompany us in our expedition. 
Hancock called upon the general the day be- 
fore yesterday to inquire whether he should 
be discharged and paid agreeable to the stipula- 
tions of the charter party. His excellency 
professed to know nothing about the business ; 
and with a rudeness of which he is very capa- 
ble, refused, both to the agent and owner ei- 
ther to discharge the vessel or pay the hire. 
This induced the parties concerned to follow 
him to Barbadoes, with a view to bring him to 
a settlement, lest (in his mind) some im- 
portant object should call him suddenly to 
England, leaving them in the lurch. 

It should appear that Miranda is convinced 
of the death of his schemes ; and that he will 
be no longer assisted by admiral Cochrane. 
Captain Atkins is I presume instructed to take 
his charge to a place of safety and there leave 
him to himself. 



207 



LETTER XXIV. 

Arrival at Trinidad. — Trimmer concern. — Re- 
ception of Miranda and his followers at 
Port of Spain. — Straits of the people. 

Port of Spain, Trinidad, Oct. 29, 1806. 
LAUS DK.O ! my good friend, my feet are 
once more on land ; we arrived here yester- 
day evening. On the passage we were in a 
constant state of apprehension lest some acci- 
dent should befal the ship, from the ignorance 
of the man who had her in charge. His per- 
tinacious patron now finds, and acknowledges 
his favourite is no sailor. We were several 
times in imminent danger of losing our masts; 
and nigh falling to leeward of our port. After 
a heavy squall, in which there was much mis- 
management and confusion, the quarter 
master general in a fit of passion and distress 
(for he was alarmed lest the ship should upset) 
declared that he would "shoot the first man 
or officer, be he whom he might, that did not 
perform his duty with promptness and dis- 
patch !" and that in future he " would carry 
a brace of charged pistols for that express pur- 



208 

pose." But notwithstanding all this, and his 
own admission of the inability of his favourite, 
he still continues him in office ; for what rea- 
son heaven and himself only know ; for I do 
not believe our blundering capt. is as yet let 
into the secret. 

I, with several others have left the ship : and 
sincerely hope, never to put my foot on her 
decks again ; at least, I am resolved not to 
reside on board while she is in port, as many 
other officers are required to do. They are 
fools enough to submit to such an order, 
though the quarter master general, in the pre- 
sent state of our affairs, has no more real au- 
thority over them, than I have over the clouds. 

Neither the Lily nor any of the vessels 
which accompanied us to the Main have arriv- 
ed ; nor have they been heard of. 

Nov. 8//z. One of his Britannick majesty's 
mail boats arrived last evening from Barba- 
does, on board of which, as passengers, were 
col. Kirkland and capt. Hancock, who mention 
that u Miranda may be expected to-morrow, as 
he left Carlisle bay in the English sloop of war 
Melville, the day before the mail boat," Their 
object in going to Barbadoes, as I mentioned in 
my last, was to effect a settlement of Hancock's 



209 

demand For the services ofthe schoonerTrimrnei \ 
They arrived at Bridgetown on the morning of 
Saturday, the 2d of November. The Seine, 
on board of which was the general, had anchor- 
ed in the harbour the previous evening. Mi- 
randa's secretary had engaged lodgings onshore 
at the publick house which his excellency had 
occupied when at Barbadoes, in June last ; but 
hearing that Hancock had arrived, he altered 
his plan and sought shelter and protection in the 
admiral's ship, the Northumberland. The at- 
torney general of the colony was consulted by 
the owner and the captain. He gave his opin- 
ion that the amount expressed in the charter 
party was recoverable against Miranda and the 
agent also, unless the latter could prove that he 
acted in the transaction by a delegated authori- 
ty, which M iranda had denied ; intending by thin 
artifice and evasion to elude payment. Every 
reasonable measure was attempted to- bring 
about an adjustment. The agent requested 
Miranda's private secretary to interpose ; he 
declined, saying " that the general was already 
so much soured upon this and other affairs 
that he feared to address him on the subject." 
The joint owner with Hancock, Mr. R. T 

applied to admiral Cochrane, for liberty to send 
T2 



210 

a sheriff's officer on board to seize the body of 
Don Francisco. This being repugnant to the 
principles of hospitality, could not be granted 
by the admiral, while Miranda was a guest on 
board his ship. It appeared, however, that 
the laws of the colony would not permit the 
service of a writ on the body of any person 
not on shore. The sheriff was not vested, as 
in the city of London, with the silver oar, by 
the magick or real power of which he is enabled 
to seize the body of any person on ship board, 
or on the water. The agent wrote several 
letters to gen. M." urging the necessity of mak- 
ing terms with these creditors, that disgrace 
and mischief would follow neglect and inatten- 
tion, that they had a right to civil treatment at 
least ; but to be told, when their vessel had 
been four months in actual service, and obe- 
dient to every command of the general that "he 
knew nothing of the capt. schooner or agent'* 
was closing the door of amicable adjustment 
and an extention of time for payment to which 
they had offered to assent. The owners final- 
ly proposed to trust for payment to Miranda's 
future success, in his views on the Spanish 
colonies* provided he would formally acknowl- 
edge the validity and amount of their demand.- 



211 

Miranda, calculating on throwing all the res- 
ponsibility on his agent, or expecting, as he 
said, to be secure from all legal process at 
Trinidad, whither he meant to repair, would 
hold no communication with any person upon 
the subject ; but remained on board the ad- 
miral's ship till the evening previous to his 
departure, when he was removed to the Mel- 
ville sloop of war, in which he is hourly ex- 
pected at this port.* 



• The following affidavit and remarks relate to the state- 
ment in the text. 

I, John Hancock, of the island of Barbadoes, do sol- 
emnly swear upon the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, 
that on, or about the 17th of June last, I contracted with 
George VV. Kirkland, an officer in the expedition com- 
manded by general Fran : de Miranda, and acting as agent 
in^this business, for the said general, for the employment 
of a schooner, called the Trimmer, according to the terms 
and stipulations contained in the said contract. I further 
declare, that Thomas Sandford, said to be from the Uni* 
ted States of North America, did apply to me for employ- 
ment of the said schooner, at fifty dollars per day — that he 
did put arms, Sec. on board the schooner Trimmer, lor 
general Miranda, pursuant to a contract which he (general 
Miranda) made with the said Sandford and Joseph Bush, 
by his agent, George W. Kirkland, as I was then told, and 
have since learned to be a fact. Some time in the month 

■ / 



212 

When Miranda arrived at Port of Spain the 
persons above mentioned proceeded to obtain 
justice by legal process, Hancock petitioned 
governor Hislop, who submitted his case to 
the judge of the colony, by whose consent 



of July last, at Trinidad, or as I now recollect and believe 
about the 20th, I called upon general Miranda to fulfil the 
latter part of the said contract (added under an n.b.) oblig- 
ing him to give security for the employment of this schoo- 
ner before her departure from Trinidad. The said gene- 
ral refused to give this security, saying, " that he did not 
agree to that part of the contract.*' I was also informed 
by his secretaries, Messrs. Fitzwilliam and Molini, that the 
general (Miranda) acknowleged, or had no objections to 
any other part of the body of the agreement ; but that he 
would make no payment, nor give any security, before his 
arrival on the Spanish Main. I therefore dispensed with 
Lis giving the security ; and was then receiving, and have 
been ever since receiving and obeying his (general Miran- 
da's) orders, until the 21st of October through colonel 
Armstrong, his quarter master general, and other officers, 
receiving on board troops and arms, debarking the same, 
Sec. Upon the arrival of general Miranda at Grenada, on 
the 2 1st of October, having left Aruba on the 26th of Sep- 
tember, I waited on him, on board the frigate La Seine. 
I asked him " what I should do with my schooner Trim- 
mer, and whether any arrangement for a settlement could 
be made.'* General Miranda replied, "I know nothing 
about your schooner Trimmer, Mr. Hancock. Yon may 



213 

process was ordered. A trial was had on the 
20th ol January, 1807. It appeared on this 
trial, by the affidavit of Mr, Thomas Sanford* 
that Miranda did in the most explicit manner 
authorize Kirkland to contract for the schoon- 



go where you please, and do what you please with your 
schooner. Have you any thing to shew and prove that I 
employed your schooner Trimmer i n I answered, " that 
I had not his (general Miranda's) obligation but that I had 
the hand writing of his agent, which was as good." Who 
is that agent ? said general Miranda, u col. Kirkland," 
I replied. Then said general Miranda, " let col. Kirk- 
land come forward and shew what authority he had to 
make such a contract I know nothing about your schoo- 
ner Trimmer, and have nothing to do with her." Some 
other conversation, to the same import passed between us> 
when I retired. JOHN HANCOCK. 

Sworn to before me this 27th day of November, 18Q6. 

CHAS. S. MIDDLETON. 

After the captain had met the repulse mentioned in the 
affidavit, the agent who sailed in the Leander, thought it 
necessary to pay his excellency a visit on board the Seine, 
His account of this interview is thus related, " Upon sta- 
ting the object of my visit, Miranda observed, c that he had 
talked enough about that business at Trinidad,and he wish- 
ed to say no more about it.' I replied, " we shall be obli- 
ged to talk more about it sir and come to a settlement ; 
and as I am not wanted on board of the Leander, I wish for 
permission to go to Barbadoes, for the purpose of making 



214 



er in his behalf, and consequently that he was 
exonerated from any further responsibility. 
Sanford testified, that Miranda had applied to 
him to charter the schooner, that he requested 
and urged him to assist Kirkland, who was his 



such arrangements, as will exonerate me from a responsi- 
bility, under which, by mistake, it seems I am unfortunate- 
ly holden. Do you wish sir, that I should be persecuted, 
embarrassed and distressed in consequence of an obliga- 
tion incurred expressly for your benefit ? Let me appeal to 
the honourable sentiments of your heart, whether it would 
be just that I should suffer for engagements contracted for 
your expedition and by your order ? * No* said Miranda, 
4 but if you will go to Barbadoes and attend to contracts and 
commercial affairs, you cannot attend to your military du- 
ty.' After some further conversation, in which the gene- 
ral evinced if possible, as little regard to the rules of ur- 
banity and good breeding, as for the principles of common 
honesty,! obtained leave to go, in such vessel as I could find, 
and also permission to be accompanied by one or both of 
the officers who had been witnesses to the contract, 
with a view to have their testimony in proof of my 
agency. On returning I notified lieutenant B. of the 
general's permission. He went on shore prepared to ac- 
company me ; the next morning he received an order to 
return on board the Leander. Upon explanation with Arm- 
strong, then acting as chef d? Etat major^ I was told that 
soon after the permission above was given, he was instruct* 
ed by Miranda not to suffer lieutenant B. nor any other per- 



215 

agent, in completing the contract, and that 
they were authorized to give sixty dollars per 
day, whereas it was engaged at fifty dol- 
lars. In the course of the trial Mr. Fitz- 
william testified, that, before Hancock sailed, 
he, as secretary of Miranda, assured him that 
his pay would depend on the success of the 
expedition. As Hancock proceeded with the 
charter party in his possession and a counter- 
part in the hands of the general, which stipu- 
lated that he should have fifty dollars per day 
without any condition annexed, or any intima- 
tion of such a connexion with the event of the 
enterprize, he alleged that his demand ought 
to be sustained But the court paying more 
respect to the parole evidence of Fitzwilliam 



son to leave the Leander but myself. By this scandalous 
inhibition, he undoubtedly expected to deprive me of the 
evidence which would be necessary to prove that I had act- 
ed under his authority in this business. For the same rea- 
son I conclude that he told me I ' could not have a passage 
in the Seine,' thinking to delay or defeat my arrival at 
Barbadoes But from what 1 have learned and experienced 
of this man, aside from the effrontery and baseness with 
which he has violated truth in denying my authorised agen- 
cy in this affair, I am prepared to expect ai*y degree of in- 
justice, where he has a motive and can promise himself 
impunity." 






216 

than to the letter of the contract, and refusing to 
hear other testimony which Hancock's coun- 
sel wished to introduce, decided that the per- 
sons concerned must wait for the issue of fur* 
ther attempts on the Spanish Main, for pay- 
ment. 

Trinidad, November, 26th, 1806. 
We have been here upwards of three weeks, 
and I believe are generally satisfied that noth- 
ing more will be done. The moment the 
Lcander arrived, the officers and men who join- 
ed Miranda here left the ship and returned to 
their respective homes. Several officers and 
three or tour sailors who were exceedingly ill 
of fever, lest they should infect the ship, were 
brought privately on shore. They were laid 
without beds or covering on the floor of a 
room, ill secured against the weather,in an ob- 
scure part of the town, and were destitute of ev- 
ery convenience and comfort except what the 
inhabitants gave in charity or some of their of- 
ficers procured at their own responsibility. It 
was distressing indeed to be sick at this time, 
when on account of the disrepute of the expedi- 
tion, few people thought the lives or comfort of 
Mirandoaians worthy of much regard ; and 
Miranda had neither money nor credit. A 



217 

Mr. Joseph Robinson, who joined the service 
at Barbadoes, fell a victim to the fever in 
ten days after his arrival, and also one of the 
sailors named Haves. There was considera- 
ble difficulty in getting these men buried, for 
want of money to buy coffins. Hayes was 
thrown into the earth without one. After much 
delay and trouble, Robinson was interred in a 
coffin and in the usual manner, by means of a 
subscription raised among the officers ; who 
indeed many of them could hardly keep them- 
selves from being objects of the same posthu- 
mous kindness, which they had occasion to 
bestow. 

Our reception and treatment in this island 
are naturally very different from what we exper- 
ienced, when we were here before. At that 
time, notwithstanding the influence of a nume, 
rous French and Spanish party, opposed to our 
scheme, of course, the governor espoused it ; 
knowing that it had received encouragement 
from higher authorities than himself. The 
government house was given to Miranda for 
his residence ; and took the name of head 
quarters. The governor and officers, civil 
and military paid him the respe I which cor- 
responded to the rank he claimed. He re- 

U 



218 

ceived many visits, and his design many good 
wishes and benedictions from merchants and 
others, though after some time, as we delayed 
long, there were signs of distrust ; and the pop- 
ularity of our project was not sufficient to pro- 
cure any considerable quantity of supplies or 
number of men without money. The means 
which were presented to Miranda, by the offer 
of merchants already mentioned, he thought 
pre per to reject. 

The tables are now changed. We are 
treated with infinite contempt as a body ; 
though many individuals, who in other circum- 
stances, would be entitled to respect, have 
friends who spare them. It was with difficul- 
ty, when we first arrived, after our abandonment 
of the Spanish Main, that the officers could get 
lodgings on shore. We are suspected of plun- 
der ; though the tattered appearance of many 
and the miserable looks of others ought in all 
reason to do away such a suspicion. We us- 
ed to be distinguished by the sounding names 
of Columbians, Mirandonians — now we are 
called adventurers, merry andrews, &c. We are 
laughed at and scoffed by the very populace in 
the streets. 

At about ten o'clock on the morning of 



219 

the 9th the Melville sloop of war appeared 
in the offing A report soon reached town 
that Miranda was on board. A committee, ap- 
pointed by the merchants, assembled for that pur- 
pose, waited on governor Hislop, requesting him 
to prohibit Miranda's landing. His excellency, 
having listened to their representations, desired 
from them a written memorial, upon which he 
promised to ask the opinion of his council. 
Soon after the committee had retired, and pre r 
vious to the sitting of the council, Miranda's 
chief d'Etat major, presented himself to the go- 
vernor in favour of his master. General Hislop 
observed that he was very awkwardly situated; 
that the merchants in a body had called for his 
interference. " The commerce" said he " of 
the island is nearly destroyed — the articles of 
life, for which we are dependent on the Main, 
from the almost total suspension of intercourse, 
have increased in many instances from fifty to 
one hundred per cent. Even the Spanish 
launches have fled from the port this morning, 
with their money instead of goods, as they are 
liable to be punished with death by their own 
government, if they are known to have been 
here during Miranda's residence on the island ;" 
he said " he had requested the merchants to 



220 

make a memorial, which he should present to 
the council, and should be guided by their deci- 
sion/' — -Some further private conversation 
passed between them, when our generaPs soli- 
citor retired. Miranda, however, stole a 
march upon the governor, memorialists and 
council. — While the latter were assembling, 
this hero of revolutions had landed with his 
suite, and to the surprise and probably vexa- 
tion of those who were endeavoring to effect 
his exclusion, presented himself to the gover- 
nor in the council chamber. It is said that 
Miranda had received some intimation of this 
business, which hastened his landing. It is al- 
so reported that the captain of the Melville had 
received intelligence of it, and therefore de- 
termined in conformity to his orders, to put 
him on shore, whatever might be his fate af- 
terwards. These rumors are not improbable, 
as he was rowed to the shore, before the ship 
had come within six miles of the wharf. 

The governor and council held their seance* 
The result of their deliberations was in sub- 
stance ; that to interdict the temporary resi- 
dence of Miranda on the island, would be re- 
pugnant to those principles of hospitality, which 
should possess the breast of every Englishman* 



221 

But they assured the memorialists, that no ar- 
mament, nav?l or military, should be fitted out 
in that port, under the directions of Miranda, 
except in pursuance of positive orders from the 
court of St. James. 

The memorial mentioned above gives a de- 
tail of the injuries alleged to be sustained by 
the mercantile interests of this island since, to 
cite its own words, " the admission of Miran- 
da, the wandering adventurer and his associ- 
ates."^- It proclaims in pressing language the 
general scarcity of money, the total want of cus- 
tom, the perishing of goods, the embargo of 
Spanish launches, and the increased and still in- 
creasing price of provisions ; which lam told, 
have risen 100 per cent on some articles and in 
a greater proportion on others, since the arrival 
of our general. If all this be true, they have great 
reason to complain ; and I have no doubt it is ; 
for the merchants, the French and Spanish in 
particular, are constantly sending away their 



*The words and his associates were afterwards erased by 
the ccmmittee who drafted the memorial, out of respect to 
the feelings of some of Miranda's officers, whom it would 
have been unjust to blame for evils of which he was the 

U2 



222 

money, or hoarding it up. The launches, 
which formerly supplied mules and cattle from 
the Main, have ceased to visit the island ; and 
there appears to be an entire stagnation of bu- 
siness. All this is charged to Miranda, and to 
the island having been so long the seat of 
his operations. The Spanish launches, of which 
I have just spoken, are licensed boats, that 
trade between the Main and this island. Not- 
withstanding the war, both parties have so 
much interest in continuing their commercial 
intercourse, that it is permitted on certain 
terms. The Spaniards are in need of various 
articles of English merchandize, and the plan- 
tations of Trinidad cannot exist without regu- 
lar supplies of mules to work their mills and 
fresh provisions for the inhabitants. These 
launches in July last were embargoed about 
three weeks at the request of Miranda, that 
they might not carry information of our pre- 
parations for landing in their country. This 
measure occasioned so much inconvenience 
and was so unpopular, that the governor was 
obliged to take it off several days before our 
departure. Its continuance was equally unne* 
cessary and oppressive. It was first imposed 
to conceal the knowledge of Miranda's arriv&J 



223 

and preparations. But from the contiguity of 
this island to the Spanish Main 5 and the facility 
with which boats might row out of the harbour 
in the night, added to the inveteracy of many 
of the inhabitants against the expedition, the 
governor of Caraccas received intelligence of 
our being here on the Lst of July, when we had 
only anchored in the gulf on the 24th of June. 
When this embargo was raised Miranda had 
the address to take to himself the merit of pro- 
curing, or encouraging the repeal. The mas- 
ters and owners of these launches were assem- 
bled at the government house ; Miranda en- 
deavoured to inspire them with a belief that he 
interceded with the governor to release their 
boats, and that his views were so honourable, 
that he w r as willing his countrymen should 
know what he was doing. 

By the request of the governor, our uniforms 
were immediately thrown aside, and those who 
could procure them have substituted citizen's 
apparel in their stead. Every military badge 
is kept out of view ; and those, who could not 
obtain new garments, remained in their shirt 
sleeves until the capes and cuffs were alter- 
ed, cut off, or concealed by some colour less 
offensive to Spanish loyalty, than the revolu- 



224 

tionary yellow and blue. Our general found 
an asylum from danger and fatigue, not indeed 
in the government house, as in more auspicious 
times, but under the roof of a lieutenant Briar- 
ly of the British navy. Here he continued 
some days, and then retired to a plantation be- 
longing to admiral Cochrane twelve or fourteen 
miles from town, where he is now reposing at 
ease after the perplexities and cares of his a- 
bortive attempt at revolution. 

The difficulty of burying our comrades is e- 
nough to shew you the scanty means or the av- 
aricious disposition of Miranda. When asked 
for money for the relief of the sick or to bury the 
dead, he said he had none , and was indebted to his 
friends here for his subsistence. A reply of the 
same tenor has almost invariably been made from 
the first to all our applications for pay, accom- 
panied sometimes with encouragement that it 
should be forth coming soon ; or that he ex- 
pected to be in funds at this or that place. It 
was said that he had a considerable private 
fund ; but none of his people could expect to 
receive their wages out of this treasure, which, 
if he had, he probably kept as a resource in case 
of extreme exigency. But they might expect 
that he would spare a little to individual penu- 



225 

ry and distress among the troops, or at least 
do his part in a subscription for the relief of 
those who had been crippled or broken down 
in his service. 

Whether he had pecuniary resources or not, 
it has made little difference to us, since we 
have been left to live as we could — except 
twenty dollars, paid at Barbadoes to those who 
would accept it, and ten at Trinidad. Beyond 
this, we have always been obliged to support 
ourselves, saving, when on board ship, we re- 
ceived our proportion of the stores provided for 
the sailors and troops ; and at Aruba we were 
not restricted in the use of wild goat flesh. 
The following narrative comes in place as af- 
fording a specimen of our situation and of 
the management of our leader. 

In May and June last, at Grenada and Barba- 
does, we w r ere told that money would be had 
at Trinidad, When the troops were about 
embarking for the Main, after having remained 
several weeks at Trinidad, there was pressing 
occasion for this money, for the purpose of 
paying their debts. It was impossible for of- 
ficers and others to be there without contract- 
ing a boarding and lodging bill, and it was dif- 
ficult to appear decent and gentlemanly, with* 



226 

out employing tailors, shoemakers, barbers and 
washers, all of whom would of course pre- 
sent themselves to us on the eve of de- 
parture. Nothing could be more unacceptable 
than these visits and cards of creditors, to those 
who were destitute of the means of payment. 
It had been confidently expected that some- 
thing would have been afforded by Miranda ; 
at least enough to defray necessary expenses at 
this place. One ground for this expectation, 
besides the general encouragement which had 
been given, was the positive assurance of the 
deputy quarter master general Roorbach, who 
declared in the name of the general, that every* 
member of the expedition should receive his 
arrearages. He also declared to the most im- 
portant creditor, that his bill should be paid. 
The amount of what was done in compliance 
with those promises and pledges was an offer 
of Miranda to pay one third of a boarding ac- 
count of about twelve hundred dollars — which 
an American resident had against a number of 
commissioned officers. 

This gentleman had shewn himself a great 
friend to Miranda's enterprise, and to his fol- 
lowers in their necessities. The creditor of 
course refused to accept so small a part of his 



227 

demand, so long as no provision or even ac- 
knowledgement was made for the balance. 

The officers, extremely chagrined at being 
thus situated, met and agreed to send in form 
a respectful letter to Miranda, stating their 
embarrassments ; and their former hopes of 
being enabled to answer their demands ; and 
requesting his excellency to assist them to 
discharge their debts, as it was impossible they 
could leave the island honorably whilst their 
accounts remained unpaid. This letter was 
handed to the general by an officer in behalf 
of the subscribers. His excellency gave a 
verbal answer in the following words ; " That 
if the officers could not quit the island without 
paying their debts, they must remain there ; — 
that they had. no right to contract such obliga- 
tions and expect him to discharge them ; and 
that he could easily dispense with those 
who could not accompany him on account 
of their debts." Several officers signing the 
letter, not very well satisfied with his answer, 
took the liberty of waiting on his excellency 
at head quarters ; but they received no better 
treatment on personal application than had 
been obtained by letter. Upon the failure of 
all attempts to get pay, one of these officers, a 



228 

surgeon, proposed to resign his commission, 
as he would much rather stay in the island, than 
go away in debt. 

In thus repelling the requests of his officers, 
M, seems to have forgotten that they were reg- 
ularly on shore to execute duties in obedience 
to his orders ; and he remembered to forget, that 
he had promised their expenses should be paid. 
The next day after the application, he offered 
top?y one third of their debts, ashas been stated, 
observing " that by the Spanish laws which 
govern this island no soldier is obliged to pay 
more than that proportion, and that is enough." 
But though his excellency had the day before 
said he could dispense with those who were too 
scrupulous to accompany him,he did not choose 
to permit any examples of this scrupulosity, 
lest it might prove contagious. To settle their 
doubts and at the same time to secure their ser- 
vices, he ,hit upon the following expedient to com- 
pel all the officers who came with him to Port of 
Spain to leave it at the general embarkation. 
He procured the following letter to be sent 
from the governor to the officer who had re- 
quested permission to resign. 

Government House, July 23d, 1806. 

" Sir, — I am directed bv his excellency the 



229 

governor to inform you, that as you came here 
with general Miranda, engaged with him on 
the service he meditates ; and as you, or any 
other individual have no permission to reside 
here ; it is his positive order that you immedi- 
ately embark on board the vessel which brought 
you here. The officers of police have direc- 
tions to enforce this order rigidly* 
" I am sir, 

you most obedient, 

humble servant, 
(Signed) THO. WALKER, 

Act. Sec'ry." 
You observe that the principle of this prohi- 
bition extended to all who came here with Mi- 
randa ; and if any other had proposed to re- 
sign, he would probably have been greeted 
with the same letter. As a proof of this, the 
provost marshall of the colony, was ordered by 
the governor to wait on the commandant of the 
N. A, infantry, and request him to see all his 
men and officers on board ship previous to our 
sailing. By this cunning expedient our chief 
saved himself from the necessity of helping his 
officers to pay their debts ; and at the same time 
Hit it out of their power to leave his service. 

t is not probable that manv would have been 

W 



250 

disposed to do so at that time, when it bore a 
promising appearance. Governor Hislop 
would not have troubled himself to issue such 
an order but at the instigation of Miranda ; nor 
then if the real design had been explained. It is 
certain the governor was made to believe, that the 
officers had been guilty of some misbehaviour^ 
I am led to this opinion by the knowledge, 
that the laws of this island require every per- 
son to pay his debts, or give security for the 
same on leaving the place ; also from the con- 
sideration that on our return, though many are 
in a state of starvation, and American vessels 
are willing to take them away, no one is per- 
mitted to depart without conforming to this 
legal usage. 

LETTER XXV. M 

Disposition of the British commanders. — Mis- 
sion to England — Process against Leander. — 
Dispersion of officers and men. — Fate of the 
prisoners.— Intercepted letters. — Intelligence 
from de Rouvr ay. —Characters. 

Port of Spain, Trinidad, Nov. 30, 1806. 
IT is now well ascertained that the Brit- 
ish commanders in the West Indies will give 



I' 



231 

no more aid to Miranda without advices and 
orders from government at home. What ad- 
miral Cochrane has done hitherto is said to 
have been passed over if not approved. His 
friends here were alarmed lest it should expose 
him to censure. But the purity of his inten- 
tions being unquestionable, it was probably 
considered that his general authority to molest 
and destroy the enemy of his Britannick ma- 
jesty might justify the partial encouragement, 
which he gave to our design. Also, the sense 
of the British government was expressed at 
the time they had received news that we had 
obtained a footing on the Spanish Main and 
were expected to. do great things. Since the 
chieftain has appeared a castle builder, with- 
out system or efficiency, without foresight or 
romptitude, the admiral is beyond a doubt 
heartily sick of being associated with his plans. 
He would be glad to forget the past and never 
hear the name of the revolutionist again. Very 
far will he be from any further engagements 
in this business. He thinks himself fortunate 
in not being saddled with the expense of it and 
made to fear for his command. He perhaps is 
sensible that he had occasion for his well earn- 
ed credit with his government and his respect- 



2J2 

able name to screen him from unpleasant ani- 
madversions or proceedings of administration. 
One circumstance, amidst others, gave him 
just dissatisfaction and might have caused him 
trouble. When we left Trinidad, it was sup- 
posed we should not, in choosing the place for 
landing, pass the limits of his cruising ground.. 
But Miranda for certain reasons shaped his 
course for Coro, which carried him into the 
limits of admiral Dacres' station. It was 
through the good understanding only that ex- 
isted between these admirals, that this trespass 
of the squadron under the direction of our 
leader did not occasion difficulty and contest. 
Miranda, calculating on the supposed prin- 
ciples of the present administration, or encour- 
aged by specifick information, has dispatched 
an ambassador to the court of St James. Many 
are asking themselves whether it is advisable^ 
to cling to the wreck of the expedition till the 
result is known. It is hoped the minister will 
have as much success in recommending himself 
at this court, by good sense and dignity in se- 
rious negotiation as he has had by flattery and 
compliance at our head quarters. " Brutus is 
an honourable man" — He is neither more nor 
less than he told a lady he was at Coro, who en- 



233 

quired if he was not formerly from St. Domin- 
go — " I am madam. Gaston count deRauvray !" 
February 2-ith. I am near the end of my 
eventful story. Soon after the Leander arriv- 
ed here the sailors went ia a body to the house 
of the governor and represented to him that 
they were hungry and naked and wished his 
interference to enable them to obtain their wa- 
ges. The ship had no stores and they no em- 
ployment. They would be satisfied, they de- 
clared, if they could receive such a portion of 
their dues as would be sufficient to help them 
back to their own country. Upon being inform- 
ed that they \fere sailors and not soldiers he as- 
sured them he would attend to their situation and 
see it redressed. They w r aited for some time 
and endeavoured to settle their accounts w T ith 
Miranda, and the ship's agent. At length they 
applied again to the governor, who directed 
them to put their grievances into the form 
of a petition. A statement was made of their 
situation and signed by thirty three, the whole 
number that remained of two hundred and six- 
ty shipped from America. The others had disap- 
peared by capture, desertion, impressment, im- 
prisonment and death. This petition expressed 

that they had been shipped aboard the Leander at 

W2 



234 ^ 

New- York, as seamen for a voyage to Jacque- 
mel or other ports in St. Domingo, and back, 
were taken with her from port to port and made 
to perform various services by sea and land, for 
which they considered she was answerable. By 
consent of the governor their petition was refer- 
red to the judge of admiralty, legal process was 
had and a libel issued according to law. By 
the management of Miranda, the course of jus- 
tice was arrested and no provision made for the 
suffering men. He pretended to consider the 
measures for a process as highly improper. 
As however it was insisted that the men had 
a remedy in the ship, he stayed the process 
by declaring to the governor upon his honor ? 
that he expected remittances by the next packet 
from England. This delusive pledge was repea- 
ted from month to month and answered the pur- 
pose of protracting or defeating a legal decision. 
In the mean time various arts and pretexts 
were employed to reduce the number of clai- 
mants to the ship. Some had obtained per- 
mission to go on shore for work. Their avail- 
ing themselves of this permission was after- 
wards pretended by Miranda to be a forfeiture 
of their claim to wages. Thus if they remain- 
ed on board, they run the hazard of starvation, 



,OJ 



if on shore, even with permission, they were 
to be deprived of their interest in the ship. 
Groundless charges of insubordination were 
brought against others, who at the instance of 
Miranda were either confined, or pressed on 
board British ships of war. Those officers 
who interposed in behalf of these unfortunate 
men, and endeavoured to procure them jus- 
tice, were represented as promoters of discon- 
tent and insubordination. Individuals of these 
officers, involved themselves in pecuniary 
Straits, to save them from distress. The 
general was not content with his attempts to 
defeat their exertions for the relief of his own 
people, but endeavoured by false colouring ; 
calling their justice and humanity disobedience 
and misrule, to produce misunderstanding, 
collision and embarrassment between those 
gentlemen and the government here. The 
general is in the habit of making every thing 
bend to his purposes. What was the lite, 
health and property of these people weighed 
against his desire to save his ship as long as pos- 
sible ? During the time, he has been greeted 
with many and various amplications f.om his fol- ' 
lowers, resulting from their wanes and uncertain 
situation; some ©f them he has answered by com- 



236 

iBanding silence and acquiescence towards 
their general, others by dismissal from service 
as it is called. The letters* in the notes will 
afford a specimen of these proceedings. The 



m 






*(CGPY) 

Port of Spain , JSi ov. 16^, 1806. 
our Excellency, 
I hope will not look upon me as importunate when I 
return to request you will have ,the goodness to pay me 
from the dale of my commission up to the present month. 
You promised when I was here before I should have my 
pay : I only received ten dollars. I am heartily sorry to 
be thus troublesome ; being under the greatest obligation 
to strangers for my subsistence and am in want of clothes 
and other necessaries. I trust your excellency will do me 
this favor. I have the honor to remain 

Your excellency's 
very humble servant, 
(Signed) JOHN ORFORD, 

Lieut. Engineer^ 
To his excellency, general Miranda, 
commander in chief Columbian Army, 



'I 



(COPY.) 

Port of Spain, Aov. 29th. 1 806. 
Your Excellency, 

My letter I wrote you dated the 19th inst. to my in- 
finite regret and astonishment, not having as yet received 
any answer, I am again induced to trouble you ; thinking 



237 

author of the letters accompanied Miranda 
from England and has cheerfully taken all the 
chances of his enterprise, not alienated by some 
instances of gross ill treatment. The officers 
for a time seemed to think it necessary to ap* 
ply for leave to release themselves from their 
engagements, doubting whether they had serv- 
ed " two campaigns." The quarter master 
general, however, dispensed with this ceremo- 



it might, through hurry of business, have escaped your 
attention. My wants are now so many, and so powerful 
that I am obliged, through necessity, to be thus importu- 
nate. How can any reasonable person expect that an of- 
ficer who has been so long in your service without receiv- 
ing pay and who has no resources at command, can possi- 
bly live, or make any appearance as a gentleman ; I there- 
fore request an immediate answer to this. Unless I get it, 
I shall apply to his excellency, governor Hislop, and state 
to him my case, requesting his assistance. I have now 
written you the sentiments of my mind in plain language 
that I might be fully understood and also that you may be 
enabled to draw your conclusion from it. I have the hon- 
our to be Your excellency's 

most ob't humble servant, 
(Signed) JOHN ORFORD, 

Lieut, Engineers* 
To his excellency general Miranda, 
commander in chief Columbian Army 



: 






238 

ny and departed in the Hawk sloop of war for 
Dominica, from thence to London. He ab- 
sented himself without giving nStice or obtain- 
ing leave, an abruptness, if not disobedience, 
which the general thought very improper. 
This example, however, of an officer so near 
his person, induced us to believe, that we 
•were no longer under any command, and might 
go our several ways without waiting for the 
formality of a proclamation of disbandment and 
dismissal* Miranda is somewhat enrage at 
the quarter master general, and calls it deser- 
tion. Some have taken the trouble to write a 



(COPY) 

Port of Spaing Dec. 2d. 1806. 
Sir, 

By order of general Miranda I have to inform you 
that he received your's of the 29th ult. The purport of 
which he conceives to be highly improper and contrary to 
every military principle, that in duty to himself and for the 
good of the service, he thinks it proper that you should tm- 
mediately be dismissed from it, and you are hereby dismiss^ 
ed from it and no longer to be considered as an officer un^ 
der his command, I am, sir, 

Your's, 
(Signed) WM. ARMSTRONG, 

Mr. John Orforp. quarter master general. 



qp 239 

letter of resignation ; others have quitted in 
silence. Many of them were too poor to re- 
main, and not rich enough to go away ; as the 
laws of the island beforementioned requiring 
security for debts due from persons intending 
to depart, were rigidly put in force. 

Though report has frequently told us that 
some of our comrades captured in the schoo-" 
ners w T ere executed, it was not authentically 
known except to Miranda, and a few confiden- 
tial officers, till we returned to Barbadoes 
and Trinidad. * It is now ascertained that ten 



* The following are the letters mentioned in mine of 
September 21st, 1806, as having been intercepted by the 
Osprey sloop of war. They were forwarded to Miranda 
at Aruba. From the same source he learned the fate of 
our captured comrades ; but from motives of prudence 
concealed the intelligence from the troops at that time. 
As these letters show the state of the country when we 
landed at Covo, they are worthy of publication. 

First letter. August^ 16, 1808. 

" Miranda has made himself master of Coro, the gar- 
rison of which, consisting of two hundred fuziieers, retreat- 
ed ' opposing him. If the English support li 

1 give us more ; \ is generally supposed. It i r . 

not i; .:.: tl 
pow . is enth 



240 

of them were hanged and beheaded on the 24th 
of last July, and the remainder placed in differ- 
ent casemates and at laborious servitude in O- 



use is inclination without arms, to which we may add the 
total want of money, for we have not a real in the treasury." 

Second letter. 
u It is now said that when the news of Miranda's expe- 
dition got to Spain and of his being at Jacquemel, orders 
were given to fit out four ships of the line at Cadiz to bring 
out troops for Gur defence ; but I give no credit to this 
news. Spain in Europe is even worse than Spain in Amer- 
ica, they have neither money, provisions nor soldiers, all is 
a labyrinth of miseries. We never see a vessel from home, 
no, not even a little one." 

Third Utter. 
" The captain general with a numerous retinue of custom 
house officers, priests, surgeons, barbers, apothecaries, and all 
the armed force of every description marched on the 12th 
to form a camp at Valencia, or San Carlos, whence rein- 
forcements can be sent to any place attacked. They carry 
with them above two thousand mules laden with provisions, 
ammunition and stores of every description requisite for an 
army in the field. Affliction, solitude, want of money, 
and every sort of misery reigns in this city. The army 
have left behind them their dearest connections — not a face 
is to be seen that is not the picture of extreme grief — 
fields without Iabourers-^-s ^ops v '.' :>ut workmen — parish- 
es without money — an sons form a~ me- 
lancholy scene which : 7 the lamer.'?.- 






241 

moa, Porto-Rico and Boc^a Chica. I give 
you the names of the captives. Those without 
any place annexed were from the city and 
state of New- York. 



tions of the women, bewailing the fate of their friends and 
relations, whom they never expect to return." 

Fourth letter. 

« That damned fellow, Miranda, of whose peregrina- 
tions and detestable designs you give me a detail, will set 
us all mad, and leave us, by the expence he puts us to, 
without a six pence to bless us. He has positively arrived 
at La Vela de Coro and taken post, the garrison having re- 
tired at his approach without making any opposition. — We 
have a numerous population it is true, but the country has 
been long disarmed for political reasons. Indeed the truth 
is we can only confide in the Queen's regiment now reduc- 
ed to one hundred and eighty men, which, with the invalid 
militia remains for the protection of the country and capi- 
tal under the command of Pasquin Martinou. Such is the 
situation Miranda has placed us in. — God grant us a happy 
riddance of him." 

Fifth letter. 

" According to our general's account, he will have an 
army of nearly ten thousand. But this multitude being 
militia who have never seen a shot fired, will but occasion 
confusion and dismay. Even the regiment of Caraccas has 
not an officer of tried valour, they are a corps of muscadins 
who think of nothing but well cut clothes and fine feathers. 
This is not the Spanish infantry in the times of Carlos the 
first and Philip the second." 



242 

These are the names of those who were ex- 
^cuted. Daniel Kemper, Francis Farquharson, 
Thomas Billopp, Charles Johnson, James 
Gardner, Miles L. Hall, John Ferris, Thomas 
Donahue, Philadelphia ; Gustavus A. Burgudd, 
Poland ; Paulo Theodore George, Portugal. 
§§> Those who follow were sentenced to ten 
years labor at Omoa. John Edsell, Henry 
Ingersoll, Massachusetts ; John Hayes, Peter 
Naulty, Ireland ; Daniel Mc Kay, do. ; John 
M. Elliott, John T. O. Sullivan, David Hec- 
kle, John Moore, John H. Sherman, Benitt B. 
Neguss, Philadelphia ; Thomas Gill, Robert 
Saunders, Jeremiah Powell.* 

These are destined for Porto Rico and sen- 



* Major Powell has been released through the agency of 
his father, who visited the court of Spain, thence to Eng- 
land, being unable to obtain the object of his wishes. At 
London, he procured a letter from the celebrated and hu- 
mane ©r. Jenner, which gained him access to the Spanish 
monarch, who immediately ordered his liberation. Messrs. 
Lippencott, Sherman, Smith and O. Sullivan have mad* 
their escape. Burk, Burlingham and Scott are dead. 
The prisoners were not removed to their respective sta- 
tions except those destined to Bocca Chica. The others 
are imprisoned at Carthagena, where Bocca Chica is situ- 
ated. 



24* 

tenced to hard labour for the same term of 
years John Parsells, William W. Lippincott, 
supercargo, Philadelphia ; Joseph Bennett, 
James Grant, Mathew Buchannan, Stephen 
Burtis,Phineas Raymond, Connecticut ; Moses 
Smith, Alexander Bucchannan, David Win- 
ton. Frederic Riggus, John Burk, Edmund 
Burlingham, John Scott. 

The others were sentenced to eight years 
labour at Bocca Chica. Pompey Grant, Wil- 
liam Pride, Robert Rains, Benjamin Nicholson, 
Benjamin Davis, Samuel Price, Henry Sper- 
ry, George Ferguson, Robert Stevenson, Wil- 
liam Long, Joseph L. Heckle, Ellery King, 
Con. William Cartwright, Philad. William 
Burnsides, Ireland, Hugh Smith, Scotland, 
Daniel Newbury, Con. Samuel Towzer, Phi* 
lad. James Hyatt, Philad. Abraham Head, 
Philad. 

One seaman, named Spalding, was drowned 
at the boarding of the schooner by the guarda 
costas. Huddle, master of the Bee, was kill- 
ed in the early part of the engagement. Mr. 
Daniel R. Durning fell a victim to his hard 
fate by sickness in confinement. 

The issue upon the prosecution of the Le- 
ander is still protracted. The general has 



244 

had the address to persuade the governor and 
judge that the first advices from England 
would bring orders for furnishing him with 
means to discharge the demand. Several 
packets have arrived, but no confirmation of 
these assurances has appeared.* 

Letters have been received from the gener- 
al's ambassador, Count de Rouvray, announc- 
ing his introduction to the British ministry, 
and what he considered a favorable reception. 
But all that was done for him ; as might ration- 
ally have been expected, was comprised in 
good wishes and good manners. From the 
best information we could obtain they had no 
idea of extending their hands to lift the general 
and his associates from the dust. 

Your curiosity may ask for some sketch of 
the persons and characters concerned in our en- 



* The ship was finally sold, with her armament, in the 
early part of autumn, 1807, and probably for half the sum 
that she would have produced at the time the sailors made 
iheir first application. Partial payments were made to the 
few who adhered to the ship. What amount of the pro- 
ceeds Miranda reserved to himself, or whether any pay- 
ments were made to the Leander concern, or to the gentle- 
men who furnished arms and provisions at Barbadoes and 
Trinidad, I have not ascertained. 



245 

terprise. Many of them had se en military ser- 
vice before they were connected with Miran. 
da. Armstrong, Roorbach and Kirkland were 
the principal persons in this class. The two 
former had been officers in the British army 
during the late war between Great Britain and 
the United States and are now half pay cap. 
tains. 

Armstrong had no inconsiderable military 
knowledge. He had method, industry and vi- 
gilance and it is to be presumed courage. He 
was well acquainted with the duties of his par- 
ticular office, having served some time in the 
British army in that line. With less obsequi- 
ousness to his superiors and less supercilious- 
ness and tyranny in his treatment of those in his 
power, he would have been more serviceable to 
the enterprise and had more friends. Roor- 
bach was educated at one of the universities 
and is a gentleman in his manners. The com- 
mencement of the American revolution found 
him in the practice of physick. He however 
thought proper to sheathe the lancet and draw 
the sword, and served in the English army 
without blemish till the peace when he mar- 
ried and settled in New York. He was an en- 
thusiast for the cause in which we were engag- 

X2 



246 

ed. By his gentlemanly deportment and his 
amiable qualities he secured many friends and 
preserved a good understanding with all the 
officers. 

Kirkland commanded a regiment in the state of 
New Yorkas early asl795. He was in the regular 
army of the United States in 1798 and was ap- 
pointed inspector of brigade in general Hamil- 
ton's staff. He is known to have been remark- 
ed by military men of the first rank in the Unit- 
ed States, for qualities and acquirements to 
make an officer of more than common merit. 
Our chief said "he had an understanding to plan 
and skill toexecute." His humanity secured him 
the affections of his men, while his noted 
authority in command insured their prompt 
obedience. His deportment and address blend- 
ed the air of the soldier with the ease of the 
gentleman. Upon the whole, I should say he 
was a cavalier worthy of a better cause and 
better fortunes than he has found in Miranda's 
adventure, 

W. Steuben Smith, Miranda's aid de camp, 
is a young man of promise, and inherits the 
military spirit and generosity of his father. Had 
we succeeded, I am persuaded he would have 
done much honour to himself and his family. 



247 ' 

Chevalier de Belhay had been in the English 
and Austrian service, and was held in much 
regard as an officer. 

For the most part those gentlemen who join- 
ed Miranda at New York were of respectable 
families and some of them liberally educated. 
Hosack, Sands, Loudon, Burnett, Scofieldand 
others are included in this class. 

The sailors and troops with a few exceptions 
possessed a strength of nerve and hardihood of 
disposition suited to the perilous and doubtful 
nature of the enterprise. 

Out of the number of the gentlemen who 
became our associates in the West Indies were 
a few of birth and respectability who had been 
in active and regular service either in the ar- 
mies of England, France or Spain. Among 
the candidates for fortune and renown were 
several young men who would have shone, if 
they had enjoyed the opportunities of perform- 
ing those exploits which it was then expected 
the nature of the expedition would afford. 

It has been my study and desire, in the pre- 
ceding communication, to relate truths which 
cannot be denied and are proper to be told. 
In a few days I hope to quit this island, for 
my native country ; but the distance of my 



248 

port of destination from your residence, will 
deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you un- 
less accident should bring us together. In 
due time after my arrival in the United States 
I shall transmit you my reflections upon this 
story, and such intelligence as I may receive. 



LETTER XXVL 

Result upon the means y conduct and object of the 
expedition. — An apology for its agents. 

United States, July 1st, 1808. 

AFTER a long interval I proceed to wind 
up my correspondence. My disgust has made 
me willing to dismiss the subject from my 
thoughts. The general's envoy extraordinary 
returned last autumn from England after an 
unsuccessful embassy. Miranda sailed in the 
frigate Alexandria for London in December. 
His enthusiasm, after all the dampers it has re- 
ceived, was not extinguished. He said that he 
expected to be in Caraccas in the following 
summer. 

I have detailed the progress and termi- 



249 

nation of Miranda's adventure. It remains 
only to make a result upon the object, the 
means and the conduct of the expedition ; the 
circumstances which determined its fate, and 
the estimate to be made of the actors in the 
tragical affair. I shall repeat and add a few 
facts, illustrating my observations. 

The object was to make the province of 
Caraccas and in due time all Spanish America 
independent. Of this region it was remarked, 
" Nature scarcely ever did more for any coun- 
try, man scarcely ever did less." Imagination 
saw fifteen millions of people, released from 
colonial dependence and the system of ironop- 
ly and restriction it involved ; enjoying a free 
government ; elevated from their depressed 
condition ; commanding the ample and inex- 
haustible resources derived from Providence ; 
made happy in themselves and connected with 
the civilized world by direct and extensive 
commerce. A splendid empire is founded, 
A new character is produced in the present in- 
habitants, and the means of their indefinite 
increase and greatness prepared. The trade of 
these fertile regions is no more " dragged 
through the store houses and magazines of the 
Havanah and Spain ; but finds new channels and 



250 

pew customers. The flags of every nation are 
seen flying in the harbours. The vessels of the 
United States, instead of plying a smuggling and 
contraband trade, lade and unlade their cargoes 
in the face of day and under the eye of the gov - 
eminent. The contest between plunder and 
subterfuge no longer exists. The dragon is 
forever put to sleep and the golden fruit of the 
Hcspcrides is within the reach of every visi- 
tant/ 5 Such it was thought and said might be 
the consequences of our enterprise. Then in- 
deed should Miranda be another Washington, 
and we should mingle our glory with that of 
our Washington. 

This regeneration of the new world must 
indeed be effected by resistance to established 
authorities and by revolution. But such was 
the imagined state of things, such the suppos- 
ed agreement in the opinions and washes of the 
natives that the resistance was not expected to 
be long or bloody ; and the revolution we were 
ready to believe would soon be over and give 
place to a well balanced government. To what 
extremities Miranda intended to go, if he had 
the power, in forcing his views upon the peo- 
ple is uncertain. From the event, it seems as 
though his purpose was merely to land on the 



251 

shores of Caraccas, to erect there the standard 
of liberty, and invite the inhabitants to enlist 
under his banners, and if they resorted to him, 
put arms into their hands for the defence of 
freedom. He would not in the proper sense 
conquer his fellow countrymen into liberty. If 
the people appeared favourable he was to strike; 
if not, to leave them to wear their chains* The 
morality of his object he always strenuously 
maintained. He professed to believe it approv- 
ed by the principal statesmen and best patri- 
ots of this country. He would think Mr Em- 
met's eloquent vindication of him and his de- 
sign in the trial of colonel Smith nothing more 
than just. " Against general Miranda and the 
object of his expedition I have heard and read 
some malignant calumnies, which only could 
have originated with mean nnd mercenary be- 
ings, who never yet sacrificed a selfish feeling 
to a publick principle ; whose hearts never 
sympathised with the sufferings of a slave ; nor 
swelled with the mighty hope of delivering a 
nation. The district attorney, in his opening 
address to you, did not permit himself to 
adopt those calumnies in their entire extent — 
he is incapable of doing so, for his sentiments 
are liberal, and his manners mild. Sufficient 



252 

however, fell from him, to give to them some* 
what of colour and countenance and to enlist 
your passions and prejudices against general 
Miranda and all concerned in his expedition. 
In particular, I remember he termed Miranda 
a fugitive on the face of the earth, and charac- 
terised the object of the expedition, as some- 
thing 4 audacious, novel and dangerous.' It 
has ©ften struck me, gentlemen, as matter of 
curious observation, how speedily new nations, 
like new made nobility, and emperors, acquire 
the cant and jargon of their stations. Let me 
exemplify this observation, by remarking, that 
here within the United States, which scarcely 
thirty years ago were colonies engaged in a 
bloody struggle, for the purpose of shaking off 
their dependence on the parent state, the at- 
tempt to free a colony from the oppressive yoke 
of its mother country, is called c audacious, 
novel and dangerous. 5 It is true, general 
Miranda's attempt is daring, and if you will, 
audacious — but wherefore is it novel and dan- 
gerous ? Because he, a private individual, un- 
aided by the publick succour of any state, at- 
tempts to liberate South America? Thrasy- 
bulus ! expeller of the thirty tyrants ! restorer 
of the Athenian freedom ! wherefore are you 



253 

named with honour in the records of history ? 
Because, while a fugitive and an exile, you col- 
lected together a band of brave adventurers 
who confided in your integrity and talents — 
because, without the acknQwledged assistance 
of any state or nation, with no commission but 
what you derived from patriotism, liberty and 
justice, you marched with your chosen friends, 
and overthrew the tyranny of Sparta, in the 
land that gave you birth. — Nor are Argos and 
Thebes censured for having afforded you re- 
fuge, countenance and protection. Nor is Is- 
menias, then at the head of the Theban gov- 
ernment, accused of having departed from the 
dudes of his station, because he obeyed the 
impulse of benevolence and compassion to- 
wards an oppressed people and gave the private 
assistance which he could not pubiickly a- 
vow." 

Whether human nature or the people of 
that country are so interested in the success of 
the project of emancipation as we republicans 
are apt to imagine seems to me to admit a 
question I reflect that amidst all their alleg- 
ed grievances, they have great wealth and pros- 
perity ; and whatever they suffer, they have in 

general no pain from the consciousness of op- 

Y 



254 

pression. If they were even in a worse state 
than they are, their listless character would make 
them little excitable by doctrines of liberty. 

Having obtained the power to dictate the 
form of civil polity, Miranda proposed to use it 
with reference to republican theories There 
must indeed in the outset be a dictator , who should 
see that the "commonwealth sustained no de- 
triment. '* Their deliverer by right of services 
and of force is this dictator. He issues a de- 
cree for the election of a council of twelve per- 
sons, consisting of six whites, four free people 
of colour and two free blacks, which, with its 
president, is the supreme authority of South 
America, till further determined. At a prop- 
er time a constitution was to be submitted to 
the people, resembling in its general features 
that of the United States. The right of suf- 
frage was to be confined to holders of land. 
The government being organized, many ex- 
cellent things were to be done and all abuses 
corrected, as far as human wi>dom could go. 
Tne church should have protection, but sub- 
mit to be divested of its secular power. Reg- 
ulations should be adopted to remedy inequal- 
ity of property and vassalage. The evils of 
slavery were to be mitigated. The publick 



255 

burdens were to be equalized. Our leader had 
many pleasing visions of good, which he hoped 
to realize in the new repu Mick, which he should 
establish. Am©ng the good deeds in his con- 
templation, was the munificent reward of his 
followers according to their merit. There 
could be no want of treasures for this purpose 
in the Ophir he would possess. 

Be the end ever so much entitled to com- 
mendation, you ask where are the means ? 
what powers and resources had Miranda cor- 
responding to his design ? In the first place he 
proceeded on the supposition of a spirit of re- 
volt being ready to burst out in the country. 
The conspiracy of 1797, he imagined, had left 
seeds of discontent and insurrection, and a spi- 
rit of impatience and reform. He regarded 
the whole of that event as an indication o£ 
combustible materials existing among the peo- 
ple. ' He thought they felt the government 
like l€ an incubus oppressing all their efforts. ? * 
In these calculations 1 think he proceeded with- 
out book. He transferred his own feelings to 
others. His passions tinged the objects he con- 
templated with their own colour. What he wish- 
ed or imagined he believed For he never pro- 
duced any sufficient evidence oi km oelief. He 



256 

asserted that he was possessed of letters and 
documents, some of them of early date and 
others later, inviting and encouraging his at- 
tempt. After he undertook to disclose partic- 
ulars to his confidential officers — they expect- 
ed a sight of these papers, but never saw them ; 
and in consequence were shaken in their con- 
Idence in his veracity. The Don Pedro VI into 
story beyond question was a fiction, invented 
with a view to inspirit his followers. It is 
known that his own brother, on receiving a let- 
ter from Miranda intimating his design, instead 
©f endeavouring to secure him partizans, im- 
mediately disclosed its contents to the govern^ 
tnent of Caraccas. Miranda relied on being 
known in South America as a distinguished 
character and a native of the country. Very 
few persons however remembered him after a 
twenty year's absence. To a few he was 
known as a traveller and scholar, a French 
revolutionary general, and a knight errant of 
liberty. Knowledge of any kind and especial- 
ly of the enemies of kings does not spread a- 
mong the natives of South America. Political 
news papers and eccentrick biographies are not 
there in circulation. What notoriety our chief 
had was confined to the place of his nativity. 



257 

At Coro he was a perfect stranger, and wheth- 
er he was an Englishman, an Amorite or Egypt- 
ian they could not tell. His sort of reputa- 
tion did not help him where it was understood. 
Those who knew him were not strangers to 
the suspicious circumstances, under which 
he was believed to have become an exile irotn 
his country. If any wished for independence, 
there is ground to think they would not seek 
Miranda as its founder. They doubted his 
principles and temper, and considered him chi- 
valrick and extravagant. What could he ex- 
pect from his little force, you will inquire. It 
was to serve as a rallying point for his adher- 
ents. Before he made the attempt from New 
York he had endeavoured to interest the Brit- 
ish administration in his views. It is said they 
had at one time looked favourably upon the 
project of making Spanish America tree, when 
the prospect of a war between Spain and the 
United States some years ago occasioned it to 
be a subject of discussion in the English cabi- 
net. There was a correspondence between 
Miranda, Mr. Pitt and Sir Home Popham,and 
some progress made; ii arrangements to sec- 
ond the plans of our general. But it ivaS brok- 
en off abruptly, because, as Miranda alleged , 

Y 2 ' 



258 

Mr. Pitt had views of conquest not emancipa- 
tion, and proposed that an English general 
should command the expedition. 

Disappointed in this quarter, Miranda came 
to the United States. The political aspect of 
our relations with Spain favoured his design. 
With no other funds than eight hundred pounds, 
and bills to a limited amount, which miarht or 
might not be paid, he succeeded to procure the 
Leander and stores, valued at seventy thousand 
dollars to be subject to his directions. Of the 
persons on board, a part belonged to the ship 
as seamen, and the others were to serve him if 
they saw fit according to engagements to be 
made. This ship with the Emperour appears 
to have been all his dependence. >io condi- 
tions were made with the English. The chief 
believed the military and naval establishment 
in the parts of South America which he propos- 
ed to visit to be small and inefficient. In this 
calculation he was not wholly mistaken, though 
he underated it. To prevent the discouraging 
effect of his humble preparations on the minds 
of his associates, he relied on the " captivating 
deceptiousness" which he knew how to prac- 
tise, and their faith in his pretensions and asse- 
verations, He taught them that the revolution 



259 

was- so organized beforehand, that their first em- 
ployment in landing would be to sing ios of 
victory. 

His second attempt was made with more 
considerable means. They would have been 
larger, had he been more circumspect and con- 
ciiitarv. He was stiil without monev. The 
umber of men to act on shore you already 
know was very inconsiderable. The naval 
force indeed was enough to capture, hold and 
defend anv station which their euns could 
reach , till his ability to gain reinforcements could 
be tested. 

He was a dreamer, you think, to expect any 
success, when he was so weak handed. It 
may be questioned, however, whether his failure 
should not be ascribed more to his own mis- 
takes and perversity than to his want of force. 

I promised to remark on the conduct of this 
expedition. Miranda has been blamed for 
wasting so much time at St, Domingo. In 
justice to him it should be recollected, that 
captain Jacob Lewis had promised to join him 
with the ship Emperour. To obtain this ad- 
ditional force would have warranted even a 
longer delay at Jacquemel ; for the event prov- 
ed that this ship was necessary in the 



260 

first attempt. But when disappointed in this 
expectation, we may ask with propriety why 
he proceeded with the Leander and two small 
schooners, after he must have known that all 
the evils resulting from delay were to be en- 
countered, without a proportional force to 
meet the danger. Why did he not proceed to 
Trinidad for a reinforcement, which he always 
pretended he had a right to expect or could 
obtain from Great Britain ? His impatience to 
commence operations, already sharpened by de- 
lay, had a powerful influence on his mind. A 
still stronger motive urged him on to immedi- 
ate exertion, a hope that he should accomplish 
the object without the aid of the English gov- 
ernment. For Miranda often declared that he 
" wished the enterprise to be considered an 
American affair. " Even at Barbadoes and 
Trinidad, while he was hourly receiving the 
hospitality of British commanders, he intima- 
ted in plain terms, that he 4i must accept of the 
assistance of the British at that time, but he 
never intended they should obtain any power 
in his country." Thus leaping to his end without 
consulting -hi> means, the catastrophe is antici- 
pated ; and we lose the two schooners with a large 
number of our beat men, in the first act of the 



261 

drama. "Prudence," says one of the considerable 
actors in our affairs, c * would have suggested the 
expediency of keeping our course after thedbcov- 
eryofthe guardacostas, to which we gavechace 
on the morning of the 27th of April, instead of 
hauling our wind and standing off from the 
land. The bay of Occumara was not more 
than eight or ten leagues distant, and as we had 
been discovered by the Spanish vessels, any 
advantages to be calculated from a secret ap- 
proach by night were lost. It should then 
have been the general's policy, as was suggest- 
ed to him at the time, to have improved the 
day light ; to have made immediately for the> 
bay, searched out the anchoring ground, learn- 
ed the situation and strength of the battery* 
which defends the port, and to have taken pos- 
session of it if possible. He would then have 
learned whether the place was tenable and e- 
qual to the defence of ourselves, the ship and 
schooners, in case of an attack from the guar- 
da costas. Above all we should have discov* 
ered our friends, if the cause had any advocates 
in the country, for it was but six leagues from 
this place to Valencia, where we were made to 



A battery mounting ten 8 and 12 pounders, 



262 

believe Don Pedro Minto was posted with a& 
army and supplies at our service. Had we met 
with a formidable opposition in our endeavours 
to gain the battery, we should have known, 
that these expected friends were enemies, and 
might reasonably have calculated that an at* 
tempt to carry it by a coup de main at night 
would have been useless, as the position could 
not have been maintained. We might then 
have retreated in safety, before the Spanish' ves- 
sels could have gained the harbour* All this 
might have been effected during the day. On 
the contrary we bore away at twelve o'clock ; 
at six P. M. being from six to eight leagues 
from shore, an order was issued for every offi- 
cer and soldier to be ready to land that night, 
notwitstanding this brig and schooner, which 
we had chased in the morning, had been ob- 
served to enter the harbour of Porto Cabello, 
and come out again, and were at three o'clock 
P. M. evidently making for us. One mistake 
at the commencement of a naval or military op- 
eration is followed by a train of evils. We 
now wanted the hours which had been wasted 
in the morning ; the pilot mistakes the port ; 
one schooner is sent to reconnoitre — from ig- 
norance or inattention she neglects the signals 



for recal ;* anchors in the morning under the 
land within long shot of the enemy, some of 
the people go on shore, she receives a shot 
from the Spanish brig, cuts cable and leaves 
them behind ; no intelligence is obtained from 
the reconnoitering party ; a battle ensues be- 
tween the Leander and the guarda costas ; 
the schooners, with the men and officers on 
board, first deceived and then deserted by 
their general, are captured. Deserted 1 say, 
because there was a time when the Spanish 
brig and schooner had separated, that the Le- 
ander should have endeavoured to engage the 
latter. But from facts and circumstances 
since disclosed, it appearsf evident that Mi- 
randa would not permit the attempt." This 
discomfiture drives our hero to Barbadoes, 
where he ought to have gone before and in a 
better condition. He is well received by ad- 
miral Cochrane, is furnished with a small na- 
val force with the promise of an addition at 
Trinidad, where he arrives on the 24th of 
June. Here his first step towards recruiting 
his little army, was the publication of a hand- 



* See lettter XL p. 70. t see Later XXI* p. 169, 



264 

biU* without signature or date, so inflamatory 
and seditious in its language as to offend the 
govern ment and people of Trinidad. The 
moon-eyed manner in which it was ushered in- 
to publick notice excited suspicion ; — the 
style and diction, ridicule and disgust The 
offers and promises it contained were the 
spurn of contempt. Such was JVHran- 
da's strange weakness as to make him be- 
lieve that labouring men, receiving from one to 
two dollars per day, were to be philosophized 
into his " godlike design" by the offer of one 
quarter dollar per day, free from all deductions 
and a division of land according to rank after 
twelve months. But they were first to risk 
their lives in taking possession of this land, with 
the certainty of being made a head shorter if they 
should fall into the hands of the Spaniards du- 
ring the contest. Nor was he to be convinced 
of the necessity of increasing this nominal a- 
mount of wages. Instead of advancing a 
small sum as bounty, a proposition was made, 
as ludicrous as it was futile, that each recruit 
should receive one bill for twenty-five dollars 
payable at a given time in Trinidad and anoth- 

*See Letter XVI. p. 102. 



265 

cr of the same amount payable in South Amer- 
ica after it should have come into our possess- 
ion. With all his knowledge and experience 
of armies, Miranda seemed not to know that 
ten dollars in hand, was better than fifty on 
paper (even if it were good) to any one of that 
description of men, who would enlist as sol- 
diers. At length, however, he sailed with the 
force that has been mentioned. He makes his 
first attempt at Coro, at least one hundred and 
sixty leagues to leeward of the places he should 
have first chosen, viz. Margaretta, Cumana, 
Carrupana, or Barcelona, either of which 
might have been taken and probably maintain- 
ed by the force he had with less risk than Co- 
ro, and would in other respects have been more 
adapted to his views. Margaretta should have 
been his place of rendezvous ; abounding in 
cattle and vegetables, commanding every port 
on the coast ; and being but eight leagues from 
the Spanish Main. Here he could have com- 
municated with his friends, and, if he really had 
any in the country, they could have joined him. 
For we are to keep in mind that the command- 
ing pivot of the expedition was a reliance on 
the good will and active exertions of the peo- 
ple. If he was to collect followers from the 

Z 



266 

islands, this situation would have been favour- 
able to such a design. His correspondence 
with admiral Cochrane, Trinidad and Barba- 
does, &c. would, from such a position, have 
been executed with safety and dispatch. But 
to beat up from Coro requires, in ordinary 
times, from fifteen to twenty and often thirty 
days. The injury resulting to us in this re- 
spect is exemplified in the fate of the British 
schooner Provost, the first advice boat sent 
from Coro" to the admiral. She was captur- 
ed off Guadaloupe, after a severe action of 
some hours with a French brig of superior 
force both in metal and men. It was not ex- 
pected by admiral Cochrane that Miranda 
would go to leeward of Laguira, and by most 
of his officers it was believed and hoped that 
Margaretta was to have been the first port of 
destination. But though the capture of this 
island would have been considered as a gallant 
achievement, had it been effected with a force 
even superior to his; when the expediency if not 
necessity of possessing Margaretta was sug- 
gested by able advisers, whilst we were an- 
chored at Coche, the general replied, that <* it 
was but an island ; to take it would imply an 
acknowledgement that we were unable or 



267 

afraid to take a position on the main land. 55 
However just this opinion might have been, it 
should be recollected that Margaretta contains 
fouiteen thousand inhabitants, and from its sit- 
uation might be made a valuable acquisition to 
any government or country. 

I say nothing of the disaster resulting from 
the unmilitary manner of entering the city 
ol Coro, nor of Miranda's neglect to take 
strong measures while there, to gain his point. 
The sudden and inexplicable evacuation of La 
Vela de Coro brings up the series of blunders 
by which his expedition was to be destroyed* 
He should have remained there acting on the 
defensive and taking every measure to bring 
the people back to their homes and recommend 
himself to their favour. He would have been safe 
in that station , for the brigs and gun boats covered 
the town and commanded the principal avenues 
leading into it. The batteries were in his pos- 
session, and under these circumstances could 
not havi- been regained by any force which we 
had reason to expect.* 

Reinforcements from different quarters were 
to be looked for with much certainty. A very 



See intercepted letters, page 239, 



268 

respectable naval force did come from admiral 
Cochrane as was before mentioned, and re- 
cruits from the neighbouring islands, from the 
eclat ©f the thing, would have resorted to his 
standard, after it appeared that he had obtain- 
ed a tolerably sure footing. The allegation of 
the want of provisions and water was not so 
founded as to make our departure necessary. 
The provisions which we had, without any use 
of the produce found in the place, did last 
more than thirty days after we arrived at Aru- 
ba ; and on the day oi the evacuation rain fell in 
sufficient quantities to supply the army of Xerxes 
with water for a year. The officers and soldiers 
re-embarked with reluctance. They did not 
think their dangers or privations present or an- 
ticipated so intolrable as to require an aban- 
donment of the expedition. A very general 
indignation was manifested when the order 
was given for evacuation. An officer who was 
ordered to strike and bring away the Colum- 
bian standard, in his vexation and disgust tore 
it to peices and threw his cap, epaulets and 
sword into the sea. He would not wear mili- 
tary insignia, which he felt were disgraced. 

As a soldier of fortune, or the projector of 
revolution, this measure is inconsistent. But 



269 

his enemies ought to forgive him. Let them 
sav, if they will, that he found the people a- 
verse to liberty and would not be the arbi- 
ter of the government they should have* Af- 
ter all their terrours, it proved he was a very 
harmless being to the inhabitants. He volun- 
tarily left their country without laying his 
hands on their property, or their persons. 

Another subject, as exhibiting a feature of 
Miranda's character, ought to be again men- 
tioned, viz. the neglect to attempt rescuing the 
captives. Immediately on his return to Trini- 
dad, after the first misfortune, he should have 
sent a flag of truce to the Soanish Main with con- 
ditions. He might have procured the co-opera- 
tion of the English admiral for this purpose. 
But he insisted " it would be time enough" 
when he made them a second visit, " which 
would soon take place," and IC that they would 
not be" injured: he was willing that they 
should take their chance. They were, as has 
been stated, captured on the 2 th of April, and 
not sentenced until the 2 1st of July, so that, had 
he taken early measures, these unfortunate men 
might have been saved. Whilst on the Main, 
he might have made some of the pc op:e, whom 

he found, hostages for the safety . good treatment 

Z2 



270 

and restoration of the prisoners not executed. 
This history ? with events coming in other 
ways before the publick, shows on what ground 
the apology for the adventurers stands. In- 
terest in publick opinion and sympathy with 
those who are now paying the dreadful forfeit- 
ure of their error at Bocca Chica justify me in 
calling your attention to their plea, such as it 
is. I know that merit is determined very much 
by event ; that the misfortunes of the impru- 
dent excite more censure than tenderness.— 
With equitable and humane minds however, 
this will not be the case. If they view out 
agency in this calamitous business as entirely 
wrong, they will allow to those, who in other 
respects are correct, the benefit of the distinc- 
tion between a single fault and a general con- 
tempt of right* They will do justice to all the 
considerations that afford a palliation or excuse. 
You have seen the trial and acquittal of Messrs. 
SmithandOgden. The former had an agency in 
procuring men for Miranda. The latter supplied 
the ship, armament and outfit. The defendants 
could not obtain the testimony of the officers of 
government, which they contended was neces- 
sary. The jury, however, gave a verdict of ac- 
quittal. They determined that the persons ac- 
cused had not broken any law of theUnitedStatp, 



271 

however their conduct might stand, when judg- 
ed by the laws of nations. Numbers of those 
who engaged went upon the general assurance 
that the enterprise was lawful and honourable r 
and not attended with any desperate risks, other 
than the usual fortune of war, if indeed the 
king's troops in South America would not sub- 
mit without resistance. Those who had most 
insight into the business, looked for wealth and 
eclat, a share in a noble undertaking and the 
liberty of returning to their country when they 
saw fit. They might have thought that in case 
they were captured by the Spaniards, the A- 
merican government might refuse its protec- 
tion, though they hoped the contrary — but 
they did not expect to be arraigned as crimi- 
nals at home. Before the preparations for the 
expedition began, Miranda went to the city of 
Washington. Arrived at the seat of govern* 
ment he is treated with courtesy. He writes 
thence to col. Smith* several times in a strain 



• Washington^ Dec, Wth, 1805. 

Wi DEAR FRIEND, 

I have received your letters of the 1st and 6th of 
this month, and your commodore's of the 5th : The busi- 
ness you and him mention is on the Tapis at this present 
moment ; and will be concluded I. hope in the course of- 



272 

which creates the belief that his design is com- 
municated to the government. Col. Smith's 



this week. Not a moment is lost and the appearances 
look very favourable. — Have a little patience and you shall 
soon hear the result. I hope you will act on your side 
with as much activity, Sec. Sec. My best compliments to 
the worthy admiral and to major A. They both shall 
hear from me as soon as the thing is decided ; write me 
here at Steile's hotel, and that will be sufficient, if the di- 
rection is Mr. Moli?ii, 

Yours, M. A. 

Col. W. Smith. 

Washington, Dec. 14//*, 18Q5. 

DEAR FRIEND, 

I saw yesterday for the second time, both the gen- 
tlemen, and after talking fully on the subject, I think I 
brought the business to a conclusion. Yet Mr- M. upon 
hearing my determination of quitting this city tomorrow 
for New York, appeared surprised, and persuaded me not 
to leave it before Tuesday next, the 17th, when he ex- 
pected me to dine with him, and have a little more con- 
versation I suppose. On consideration* I thought that 
a stay three days longer, might show calm and patience 
on my part, which would give to this step ail the dignity 
I intended, though I am persuaded that no more will be 
obtained, than what is already imparted. Their tacit ap- 
probation and good wishes are evidently for us, and they 
do not see any difficulty that may "prevent the citizens of 
the U% States in attending personally or sending supplies 

for this object, provided the puohek laws should not be 

. j 



273 

going on the expedition is said to be a subject 
of conversstion between Miranda and the se- 
cretary of state. — Some days before the sailing 
of the Leander he writes a letter to the presi- 
dent and Secretary.* 



openly violated. Your demand of permission or leave of 
absence is considered impracticable, and Mr. M. thinks it 
easier to take the risk upon yourself at once ; however, 
we shall consider this subject with much reflection when 
we shall meet at New York. On the 18th, early, I shall 
certainly leave this for Philadelphia, from whence I will 
write to you again, and without much delay proceed to 
New York. In the mean time, I request you to have ev* 
ery thing ready for departure before the last of Decem- 
ber, and I beg of you to show to our worthy commodore 
as much as is necessary of this letter, not thinking pru- 
dent in me at this moment and on so delicate a subject t% 
write any more ; do the same with the major, and repeat 
to both my most sincere friendship and permanent esteem. 
When we meet, you and they shall hear more on this sub- 
jects in the mean time act with much caution and great ac- 
tivity. Yours, M . 

• J\/ew York, January 22d, 1806. 
Mr. President, 

I have the honor to send you enclosed the natural 
and civil history of Chili, of which we conversed at Wash- 
ington ; you will perhaps find more interesting fat ts and 
greater knowledge in this little volume than in those which 
kave been before published on the same subject concern- 



274 



The result of his conferences as he repre- 
sented was that the government would not co- 
operate ; but if he could make his design an 



ing this beautiful country. If ever the happy prediction 
which you have pronounced on the future destiny of our 
dear Columbia, is to be accomplished in our day, may 
providence grant that it may be under your auspices, and 
by the generous efforts of her own children. We shall 
then in some sort behold the arrival of that age the return 
of which the Roman bard invoked in favour of the human 
race 

The list great age foretold by sacred rhymes. 
Renews its finished course ; Saturnian times, 
Ixoll round again, and mighty years began, 
From this first orb, in radiant circles ran. 

With the highest consideration, and 
profound respect, I am, Mr. 
President, your very 

humble servant, 
(Signed) FRAN: DE MIRANDA. 

To Thomas Jefferson, President 1 (private.) 

of the United States. <J 

J\ew York, January 22c/, 1806. 

Sir, 

On the point of leaving the U States allow me to ad- 
dress a few words to you to thank you for the attentions 
that yon were pleased to show me during my stay at 
Washington. The important concerns, which I then had 
the honour to communicate to you, I doubt not will re- 



275 

object of individual enterprize, it " saw no 
difficulty that should prevent the citizens of 
the United States in attending personally, or 
sending supplies for his object ; provided 
the public k laws were not openly violated." 
The same impression was received from pas- 
sages which were afterwards submitted to 
some oi his agents from his port-folio, giving 
an account ol conversations which he recorded 
as having taken place between him and the 
secretary of state at the city of Washington. 

About the same time, the president had de- 
livered a message to congress stating nume- 
rous and unprovoked acts of hostility suffered 



main a profound secret until the final result of that delicate 
affair ; 1 have ac<ed upon that supposition here, by con- 
forming ii i cvcw tl Li i g 4 o i he intentions of government, whi b 
I hope to have apprehended and observed with exactness 
and discretion. The enclosed letter contains a book which 
I have promised to the president of the U States, and 
which I pi y J ou to transmit to him Have the good- 
ness to present my respectful compliments to Mrs Madi- 
son, and to believe me with the highest consideration and 
esteem, sir, 

Your very humble and 

obedient servant, 
(Signed) FR \N : DE MIRANDA. 

To the hon, James Madison, Esq. 



276 

from Spain ; declaring that the Spaniards had 
captured our citizens within our borders — had 
invaded our territory and committed depreda- 
tion on our commerce, and suggesting the ne- 
cessity of a recourse to measures of retaliation. 
Congress deliberated in secret, and it was 
thought on this subject. Under all these ciiv 
cumstances, the agents were led to conclude, 
that as the government knows and does not check 
the preparations for this expedition, it gives 
them an implied sanction. Those who adven- 
ture must be acting legally and safely. By re- 
citing, I do not mean to vindicate the correct- 
ness of these inferences, nor accuse the admin- 
istration of my country. Events have proved 
the insufficiency of the data to support such 
conclusions ; yet it must be acknowledged they 
were plausible and natural. It ought to have 
been recollected that Miranda's statements of 
his conversations at Washington rested on the 
evidence of his own assertions. Whether he 
was authorized to write the letters alluded to, 
does not appear by any direct proof. The cop- 
ies of those to the president and secretary of 
state were to serve as documents for the eyes 
of his coadjutors. It might have been his art 
tQ use a strain of writing, which implied that 



277 

his correspondents, were privy to his transac- 
tions, and participated in his views. Their a- 
vowal of general good wishes for the object, 
and admission of the right of the citizens to 
use the liberty of action in consistency with 
the laws, he might have construed into appro- 
bation and encouragement of his specifick pio- 
ceedings. On the supposition that the gov- 
ernment were apprized of his intentions, an overt 
act only it is alleged could justify a legal process. 
On this delicate question, I should presume 
the government has not incurred any just im- 
putation* At the same time, it will be recollect- 
ed that the first promoters of this undertaking 
have been tried and pronounced tc not guilty." 
Their vindication applies to all who espoused 
the design under like impressions. 

Why did we continue, you ask, after sus- 
pecting or discovering the illusion ? There 
was ne practicable way of escape till our re- 
turn to the West India islands, after the first 
attempt. It was then extremely difficult, among 
strangers and without resources to get away. 
Various methods were used to make us believe 
that we were still expected and desired by the 
friends of independence in that country. The 

partial co-operation of the British gave our en- 

A a 



278 

terprise respectability and seemed to insure 
safety if not success. The stake was great and 
alluring. More than all, we hoped to rescue 
our companions, who had fallen into the hands 
of the Spaniards. Obligations of honour and 
duty, an invincible sympathy with their forlorn 
and distressed situation impelled us to embrace 
the opportunity, which seemed to offer of try. 
ing to procure their release. In this favourite 
hope, we were disappointed. Is there no re- 
source for these unfortunate people ? Are there 
no individuals, is there no government able and 
willing to lift up a voice, or stretch out an arm in 
their favour ? May not the new order of things, 
operate for their benefit ? Cannot the govern- 
xnent of Caraccas be persuaded it would be 
worthy of their magnanimity to let the remain- 
ing victims of delusion go? 

That all the persons concerned in this ca- 
lamitous business consider it with regret is 
certain. They are not again to be led away by 
the same lure. They are sufficiently cured of 
a disposition to reform the world and create re- 
publicks. 

Having given some sketch of the life of Mi- 
randa, and a short desciption of the country 
■eh was to have been the theatre of his ex- 
its, I shall have done. 



279 

LETTER XXVII. 

NOTICES OF MIRANDA. 

United States, August 10, 1803. 

GENERAL MIRANDA in conversation 
was reserved on the subject of his own life. 
He wrapped himself in mystery ; and apparent- 
ly enjoyed a sort of satisfaction, in leaving peo- 
ple to conjecture and wonder. He would talk 
of what he had seen and done ; of his studies 
his adventures and sufferings ; his perils and 
escapes. But he avoided detail and circum- 
stance ; time, place and persons he kept out of 
view. In his relations he stopped at generali- 
ties. For this reason, his officers know less of 
him than you would imagine. Of the place of 
his nativity there are several and disagreeing 
accounts. But beyond doubt he was born in 
the city of Caraccas, in the province of that 
name. It is taken for granted that he is de- 
scended from one of the oldest Spanish fami- 
lies. Some accounts represent that his grand- 
father was governor of a province and his fa- 
ther a candidate for the same place ; but de- 
feated in his expectations, through the jealousy 



280 

which the court have ever entertained of the 
natives. This disappointment is mentioned, 
with what truth, I cannot say, as a cause of our 
hero's discontent with the government. If 
such an event ever occurred, it probably had a 
large share of inftu^nce on a mind like that of 
Miranda. Rut the ardor of his feelings, the 
boldness of his speculations and the republican 
bias of thinking which he always manifested a& 
ford sufficient solutions. He was educated like 
other young men of the better families in Ca*. 
raccas, at the schools and university of that ci- 
ty. He never mentioned his teachers nor his 
school. He said that he learned Greek after 
he w r as forty. Depons observes, that at pre- 
sent the Spanish youth, sensible of the insuffi- 
ciency of their education, apply with avidity to 
the reading of foreign books. It is said Mi- 
randa began his travels in the provinces, in 
early manhood. He entered the army and was 
captain in the regular troops of Spain. Biog- 
raphers say he rose to be colonel ; but this is 
doubtful. One of his stations was at Guatima- 
la. Here he improved his opportunities of be- 
coming acquainted with New Spain. 

He left his native country from necessity, to 
avoid the displeasure of government. The 



m 

-jaVises of his precipitate disappearance are va- 
riously stated. It is ascribed to his expressing 
obnoxious sentiments relating to the indepen- 
dence of the colonies and having laid a plot for 
effecting it. One of the most celebrated French 
generals told me, that whilst Miranda was 
stationed at the Havanna, being in the engi- 
neer corps, he was commissioned by the mili- 
tary commander to go to Jamaica for the pur- 
pose of surveying the fortifications, and making 
out a report of their strength and condition; 
To disguise his character and design, he was 
allowed to smuggle ten thousand dollars value 
of commodities. On his return, he was charg- 
ed with exceeding the limits of his permission. 
His property was seized. The cause was car- 
ried to Madrid, where it was decided against 
him. He thought it wise to decamp, in order 
to avoid the penalties which he had incurred. 

In 1783 he visited the United States. I have 
conversed with many persons who knew him 
at this time. They say his mind was full of 
the ideas of reform and innovation, of liberty 
and philosophy. He went from this country 
to Europe. London was his most constant 
place of residence, whilst he was not on his 

travels. He visited almost ever'; portion of 

A a 2 



2&2 

the European world ; every principal city and 
court; and went to Constantinople. He had a 
superb library in London. This literary trea- 
sure was pledged for a part of the necessary 
funds to defray his expenses. In the negotia- 
tions and disputes and naval preparations re- 
specting Nootka sound, he had an agency un- 
der the English ministry. When the French 
revolution commenced he was in Russia. This 
event opened a career suited to his genius. 
He repaired immediately to Paris ; and soon 
obtained favour, fortune and place, under the 
protection of Pethion. He was employed in the 
French army. In 1792 he was sent in quality 
of a general officer to Champagne, under Du- 
mourier ; whom he afterwards accompanied to 
Belgium ; and he was nominated in Septem- 
ber commandant of the army of Flanders in 
the room of Labourdonnage ; during the win* 
ter he had the chief command in the absence 
of Dumourier. 

In the spring of 1793 Miranda besieged M^- 
astrichxt, by order of the executive council \ 
but general Lanoue, who was posted at Roer, 
being beaten at Aldenhoven, he was obliged to 
raise the siege after twenty days bombardment. 
The defeat at Aldenhoven and the bad success 



285 

atMeastricht overturned allDumourier's plans. 
How far Miranda was to blame let military 

m 

men judge. 

The commander in chief, Dumourief , having- 
retired from Holland, again appeared at the 
head of the Belgic arrrty. Miranda command- 
ed the left wing on the 13th of March in the 
affair of Nerwiiide. This battle would probably 
have terminated in favour of the French, had 
not Miranda retired from the field, soon after 
the middle of the day. One of his columns 
was panick struck, and the other two were 
driven back. This retreat has been ascribed 
in some French publications to the treachery 
and cowardice of our hero. A celebrated 
French general, now in this country, is of a 
different opinion. He declares it was by a mil- 
itary fault of Miranda's that the French lost 
the victory at Nerwinde ; " Miranda," says he, 
" is not justly chargeable with treachery or 
cowardice." Dumourier, says, " that either 
disconcerted, or willing to sacrifice his rival, 
Valence, he ordered Ins troops to retreat." 
He sent no advice of his retreat to Dumourier, 
which neglect exposed the right wing and cen- 
tre of the army to the whole weight of the ene- 
my. 



It seems that Miranda, was no friend to Da 
mourier. Three days after the battle, it has been 
asserted, he wrote a letter to Pethion against 
this general, Miranda's partizans say this let- 
ter afforded him no justification. He after- 
wards published a memorial, in which he tells 
his protector , Pethion , that the expedition against 
Holland had been undertaken contrary to his 
advice ; that he had foreseen the mischiefs 
which would result from such a project ; and 
that Dumouricr, in concert with Thouvenot,had 
decided upon every thing without consulting 
him. As to the defeat at Nerwinde, he endea- 
voured to confirm the opinion then circulated, 
that it was owinff to the treacherv of the com- 
rnander in chief and his adherents. At the 
same time he continued to correspond with 
Dutnourier. Miranda did not save himself by 
this double faced precaution. He was arrested 
at the moment of the desertion of that general 
and was sent to Paris for trial* The revolu- 
tionary tribunal acquitted him in May. Before 
the end of the same month he was again arrest- 
ed. He appeared in person at the bar of the 
convention, to justify himself, but he did not 
obtain his liberty until the fall of the mountain. 

In October, 1795, he attempted to reeorer 



285 

his lost influence by serving the convention 
against the sections. This expedition did not 
succeed. On the 22d of the same month his 
arrestation was decreed. He was sentenced to 
be transported beyond the limits of France. In 
vain he endeavoured to effect a retraction of 
his sentence. He was delivered to a body of 
gens des armes who were charged to conduct 
him to the frontiers. He got away from his es- 
cort and wrote to the directory, demanding a re- 
version of his sentence. This business was kept 
in train a long time, although the director De- 
touveur was his particular enemy. Finally, the 
4th of September, 1797, finished his residence 
in France* He w T as included in the grand de- 
portation. England afforded him refuge. He 
was among the number whom Bonaparte did 
not recal in 1799. After this period he con- 
tinued in London. Failing in various attempts 
to interest the British ministry in his project 
respecting South America, he embarked for 
New York, under the assumed name of George 
Martin of New-Orleans. On the 2d of Sep- 
tember lie sailed from England and arrived in 
the United States on the 12th of November 
following. Here he commenced operations 
for carrrying into effect his project of twenty 



236 

years contemplation, to revolutionize his na- 
tive country. A mercantile house in New 
York furnished him with the ship and arma- 
ment, as has been described in this history. 
He gave Mr. Ogden three bills, one of five 
thousand, one of two thousand and one of eight 
hundred pounds sterling. The two last only 
were duly paid. The property taken by him 
from ew York was all spent, dissipated, or 
remains in his hands. No part of the proceeds 
of the sale of the Leander was ever repaid to 
the original owners. 

Dumourier sa^s of this personage " that he 
was a man of capacity and extensive informa- 
tion. He was better versed in the theory of 
war than any other of the French generals ; but 
he was not equally versed in the practice." 
He had been of great service to him in the 
different attacks on the Prussians. But " he 
had a haughtiness of disposition and bluntness 
of manner, which begat him many enemies ; 
and he was unfit to command the French; 
whose confidence it is impossible to gain, but 
by good humour, and conduct expressive of 
respect for them," 

In the preceding history, Miranda's injudi- 
cious selection of his place of landing is men* 



287 

tionecl as one cause of his failure. The rea- 
sons in favour of his choice were not staed. 
His principal inducement probably was, that 
from information or rumour he imagined he 
had friends in Coro. In stating his grounds 
for expecting success, I might have placed 
them in a summary form by reciting four posi- 
tions laid down by one of his advocates at the 
outset. 

First, From the boundless extent of the 
coast of Spanish America, he can choose his 
point of landing. 

Second, From the same circumstance, the 
whole military force, that is to say, the milita- 
ry force from the mother country, is distribut- 
ed into small detachments, and these detach- 
ments are most remote from each other. In 
no single post in America can there be more 
than one thousand men. 

Third, The militia of the country are inva- 
riably in his cause. 

Fourth, If he could therefore, raise a suffi- 
cient force to withstand the attack of two or 
three of these detachments, for more could ne- 
ver join, he would be enabled to maintain his 
ground ; and revolutionizing as he went, add 
his conquests to his force, 



2S8 

Trom this narrative in connexion with the 
prior history cf general Miranda, you will re- 
ceive an impression of his character not so fa- 
vourable, as that entertained by many persons. 
I have related facts. They must be allowed to 
speak for themselves. His imagination and 
feelings were an overmatch for his judgment. 
He is more rash and presumptuous in projects, 
than dexterous in extracting himself from diffi- 
culties. In religion he is reputed skeptical ; 
but in our hearing he never derided subjects 
of this nature. He used formerly to talk infideli- 
ty to the offence of the serious ; experience has 
taught him caution, or he has changed his sen- 
timents. It is said upon good authority that 
he partook the sacrament at Coro. He is too 
much of an enthusiast in his favourite objects 
to allow his means to be enfeebled by moral 
scruples. I am willing to believe he has as 
much conscience as the impetuous passions of 
such men generally admit. 

I make a few remarks on his person, man- 
ners and petty habits. 

He is about five feet ten inches high. His 
limbs are well proportioned ; his whole frame 
is stout and active His complexion is dark, 
florid and healthy. His eyes are hazel colour- 



289 

ed, but not of the darkest hue. They are 
peircing, quick and intelligent, expressing 
more of the severe than the mild feelings. He 
has good teeth, which he takes much care to 
keep clean. His nose is large and handsome, 
rather of the English than Roman cast. His 
chest is square and prominent. His hair is 
grey and he wears it tied long behind with 
powder. He has strong grey whiskers grow- 
ing on the outer edges of his ears, as large as 
most Spaniards have on their cheeks. In the 
contour, of his visage you plainly perceive an 
expression of pertinaciousness and suspicion. 
Upon the whole without saying he is an elegant, 
we may pronounce him a handsome man. He 
has a constant habit of picking his teeth. 
When sitting he is never perfectly still ; his 
foot or hand must be moving to keep time with 
his mind which is always in exercise. He al- 
ways sleeps a few moments after dinner, and 
then walks till bed time, which with him is 
about midnight. He is an eminent example of 
temperance. A scanty or bad meal is never 
regarded by him as a subject of complaint. 
He i^ses no ardent spirits ; seldom any wine. 
Sweetened water is his common beverage. 

Sweetness and warmth, says he, are the two 

Bb 



290 

greatest physical goods m 7 and acid and cold 
are the greatest physical evils in the universe. 

He is a courtier and gentleman in his man- 
ners. Dignity and grace preside in his move- 
ments. Unless when angry, he has a great 
command of his feelings ; and can assume 
what looks and tones he pleases. In general 
his demeanour is marked by hauteur and dis- 
tance. When he is angry he loses discretion. 
He is impatient of contradiction. In discourse 
he is logical in the arrangement of his thoughts. 
He appears conversant on all subjects. His 
iron memory prevents his ever being at a loss 
for names, dates and authorities. 

He used his mental resources and colloquial 
powers with great address to recommend him- 
self to his followers. He assumed the man- 
ners of a father and instructor to the young 
men. He spoke of the prospect of success, 
and of the preparations made for him with 
great confidence. The glory and advantages 
of the enterprise were described in glowing co- 
lours. At another time he detailed his travels, 
his sufferings and escapes in a manner to interest 
both their admiration and sympathy. He ap- 
peared the master of languages, of science and 
literature. In his conversations he carried his 



291 

hearers to the scenes of great actions and in- 
troduced them to the distinguished characters 
of every age. He took excursions to Troy, 
Babylon, Jerusalem. Rome, Athens and Syra- 
cuse. Men famed as statesmen, heroes, pa- 
triots, conquerors and tyrants, priests and 
scholars he produced, and weighed their merits 
and defects. Modern history and biography 
afforded him abundant topicks. He impressed 
an opinion of his comprehensive views, his in- 
exhaustible fund of learning ; his probity, his 
generosity and patriotism. After all, this man 
of renown, I fear, must be considered as having 
more learning than wisdom ; more theoretical 
knowledge than practical talent ; too sanguine 
and too opinionated to distinguish between the 
vigour of enterprise and the hardiness of in- 
fatuation. 

LETTER XXVIII. 

Geographical and statistical notices of Car ac£a&. 

United States > August 2\st> 1808. 

ACCORDING to received geographical 
accounts, the Spanish dominions in North A* 
merica extend from latitude thirty nine degrees 



202 

thirty ffiinutest6 seven $gf$3 tHrty minutes 
north, a k. Ygl u; hundred 

and twenty geograp The medial 

Dfeamh is computed at folir hundred of the 
same miles. In South America they reach 
from the Caribbean sea to the most southern 
promontory. They are divided into viceroy- 
alties, audiences, provinces, governments, de- 
partments and missions. Spain has under her 
sceptre in Mexico and South America four- 
teen or fifteen millions of people. 

I shall give a sketch of the captain general- 
ship of Caraccas, that part on which Miranda 
made his attempt. Depons 5 voyage to the east- 
ern part of Terra Firma or the Spanish Main, 
in South America comprises an ample de- 
scription of this region; and is the principal 
authority for the following notices. 

Thisterritory is situated between the twelfth 
degree of north latitude and the equinoctial. 
It comprehends 

Venezuela, containing 500,000 inhabitants, 



Maracaibo, 


100,000 


Cumana, 


80,000 


Spanish Guiana, 


34,000 


Isle of Margaretta, 


14.000 



728,000 



293 

Of the population, two tenths are whites, three, 
slaves, four, freedmen and their descendants, 
and the remainder indians. There is scarcely 
any emigration from Spain to Terra Firma. A 
great proportion of the whites receive a liberal 
education, such as it is, in the seminaries of 
the country and college and university of Ca- 
raccas. " Every one is ambitious," says Dr, 
Sans, as quoted by Depons, * of becoming a 
lawyer, a priest or a monk. Those whose pre- 
tensions are not so great wish to be notaries, 
scriveners or clerks." A military rank is an 
object of rivalry. A sword is their dear com* 
panion. Decency, in their opinion, debars 
them from agricultural pursuits and enjoins 
them to treat the mechanical arts with sove- 
reign contempt. They are charged with an 
extravagant passion for distinction. But the 
French traveller thinks that a happy revolution 
of opinion in these respects is on the eve of be- 
ing accomplished, and every thing announces 
that the succeeding generation will exhibit a 
spectacle of a moral amelioration, achieved by 
the increased energy of the national wisdom, 
in consequence of the admission of whatever is. 
\iseful in the principles of other nations. 

The Spaniards and Creoles of Caraccas are 

Bb2 • 



294 

mild, affable, polite and from prudence timid* 
Slaves can be freed, by paying the price they 
Gost their masters. Freedmen are known bv 
the name of people of colour. They exercise 
various trades, but are not fond of personal la- 
bour. They are formed into corps of militia. 
Merit may raise a man of colour to the rank of 
captain. 

The laws respecting the indians are mild. 
But the indians are not good citizens. 1 hey 
are indolent and intemperate. 

The government of Caraccas, like that of 
Other parts of Spanish America is so constitut- 
ed as to keep it dependent on the parent 
country. The governor or captain general re- 
presents the Monarch and commands the mili- 
tary force. There are delegated governors, 
who have each an assessor. The Royal Audience 
of Caraccas con^ibts of a president, who is the 
captain general, a regent, three judges, two 
fiscais ; one for criminal affairs, the other for 
the finances, with a reporter and other necessa- 
ry officers. It administers justice, regulates 
the finances, and has other great prerogatives. 

The naval force of Terra Fir ma i* trifling and 
^ould not resist a single frigate. Several sea- 
ports have fortresses, Maracaibo has twenty 



295 

five thousand inhabitants, is defended by three 
forts and four companies of troops of the line, 
and a proportion of militia. The haven or port 
of Coro, called La vela de Coro, sixteen leagues 
east of Maracaibo had at the time of our dC- 
barkation two batteries with fifteen or eighteen 
peices of cannon of various calibers from six 
to eighteen pounders. Porto Cabello or Ca- 
vello, fifty eight leagues to the east of Coro, 
has a strong fort with a large and numerous 
artillery. In time of war it is supplied with 
two companies of regular troops. In case of 
attack, says Depons, three thousand militia 
might be collected here in eight days. La 
Guira,the haven of Caraccas twenty five leagues 
to the east of Porto Cabello, is very strongly 
fortified. Cumana one hundred leagues east of 
La Guira is of difficult access, has a fort and 
might present a force of five thousand men. 
The island of Ylargaretta four leagues north of 
Cumana has trifling batteries, one company of 
regular troops, one of artillery and several of 
militia. Thus it appears the strong places are 
distant from each other sixty or one hundred 
leagues. ILnce it is observed a debarkation 
on the coast might easily be effected in various 
pulses, and the troops proceed into the country, 



296 

whilst the ships, by attacking the forts, would 
distract the military operations. 

The military force as stated by Depons is a 
regiment of regular troops of nine hundred and 
eighteen men, distributed at Caraccas, La 
Guira and Porto Cavello. Four hundred 
troops of the line are at Maracaibo, atCumana 
one hundred and fifty, at Guiana one hundred 
and fifty, and at Varinas seventy seven. The 
artillery at the respective places is served by 
separate companies, besides militia. The 
whole armed force of the captain generalcy, re- 
gular troops and militia is stated at thirteen 
thousand and fifty nine. 

There is no religion but the Roman Catho- 
lick. To be suspected of heresy is dangerous ; 
to be convicted fatal. The tribunals of the in- 
quisition are erected at Mexico, Lima and Car- 
thagena, and are very powerful. They prohib- 
it bad books to the number of five thousand 
four hundred and twenty. Spanish Aoierica 
abounds in priests, who are held in great re* 
spect. The missionaries are numerous. The 
churches are decent and often elegant, and are 
still asylums for criminals. The tithes are 
paid one tenth part to the king, one fourth to 
the bisiiop, one fourth to the chapter and ie* 



297 

rriainder to the parish priests and to other pious 
uses. The income of the bishop of Carac- 
cas is forty thousand dollars. 

The productions of this region are cocoa, 
coffee, sugar, indigo and tobacco. Besides 
the present products, says Depons, there is a 
great variety of others which the soil offers to 
the inhabitants, without requiring any advance 
or subjecting them to any trcuble but that of 
collecting and bestowing on them a light and 
easy preparation. Among these he mentions, 
vanilla, wild cochineal, dying woods and barks, 
gums, rosin and medical oils, herbs, roots and 
bark for medicine. From this country half 
Europe might be supplied with wood for its 
luxurious furniture and equipage. Commerce 
might draw much from the animal kingdom. 
The neat cattle are calculated at one million 
two hundred thousand, horses and mares one 
hundred and eighty thousand, mules ninety 
thousand. Sheep are innumerable and deer 
abundant. Notwithstanding this abundance, 
agriculture is at a low ebb in this country, La 
Guira, Porto Cabello, Maracaibo, Cumana, 
Barcelona, and Margaretta have a right to trade 
with the mother country. In 1796 the imports 
from Spain to Caraccas were estimated at three 



298 

million one hundred and eighteen thousand 
eight hundred and eleven and one half dollars, 
and the exports at two million eighty three 
thousand three hundred and sixteen dollars. 
There is a limited trade to the other colonies, 
which brings about four hundred thousand 
dollars into the country. It exports to foreign 
West India islands articles of its own produce, 
except cocoa, in neutral bottoms ; part of the 
returns must be in negroes or in farming or 
household utensils and the remainder in specie. 
But this remainder is principally smuggled in 
manufactured goods. The contraband trade 
divided chiefly between Jamaica, Curacoa and 
Trinidad is estimated at seven hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars annually before the war of 
1796. It has increased greatly since that pe- 
riod. The whole regular exports of Caraccas 
from 1793 to 1796 are stated at twelve million 
two hundred and fifty tw r o thousand four hun- 
dred and fifteen dollars, from 1797 to 1800, six: 
million four hundred and forty two thousand 
three hundred and eighteen. The finances of 
Caraccas are under the direction of an intendant. 
The revenue arises principally from the cus- 
toms, a duty of five per cent on sales from 
stamps, licenses, and tithes, and from the pr©* 






299 

duce of the cruzada and of the sale of tobacco* 
The two last are destined for the treasury at 
home. There is usually a deficit, even in time 
of peace ; in 1797 the receipt was one million 
one hundred and forty thousand seven hundred 
andeighty eight dollars,expenditure, one million 
eight hundred and eighty six thousand three 
hundred and sixty three. The population of 
some of the chief cities is thus stated. Carac- 
cas forty thousand, La Guira six thousand, 
Porto Cavello seven thousand six hundred, 
Coro ten thousand. The harbour, or La Vela 
de Coro, as it is commonly called, and its en- 
virons are supposed to contain not less than 
two thousand. 

In 1797 three state prisoners were sent from 
Spain to Caraccas, on account of their revolu- 
tionary propensities. Being treated with great 
indulgence by the officers and soldiers to whose 
care they were committed, they formed the 
project of a conspiracy against the government. 
They engaged a number of persons, some of 
them of consequence in their party. After 
gaining their first converts, the spirit did not 
spread. The coldness and apathy of the peo- 
ple did not admit of the eftervesence they de- 
sired. After the plot had been kept a secret 



300 

for many months it was disclosed to the go- 
vernment. Some of the ringleaders escaped 
and others were taken. It was found that se- 
venty two had entered into the conspiracy ; six 
were executed. The rest either escaped or 
were sent to the galleys or banished from the 
country. 



ERRATA. 

Page 47, 7th line from bottom for " consist" read consisted. 

48, In list of appointments for " Judaic" read Judaln 

1 03, 6th line from bottom for u equadron" readescadron. 

do. 2d do. do. for ic De Sine" read Dessein. 

109, 9 th do. do. for "August 1st" read August \ 4 th 

152, 8th do. from top for u Dion Pelopidas" read Di- 

en and Pelopidas. 
157, 4th do. do. for " provide" read /zrox^rf. 
179, 10th do. do« in ferrons dele r. — 11th. do. for 
ae read de, for cet read ce. — 1 2th do. for un 
read une y for il a nous read il nous a* 
235, 2 2d do, do, for u was" read were. 
246, 15th do. do. in some copies, for "noted," 

read dignified. 
268, i lth do. do. for " intolrable 5 ' read intolerable. 
232, Read Labour -donnaye and Maestricht. 
285, 9th line from top read gens d*armes % — 12th do. 

for " Detouveur" read Le Tourneur. 
287, 2d do. do. for " staed" read Mated, 













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